At least 29 individuals have lost their lives, and one person sustained injuries in a blaze at a nightclub in Turkey.

The fire erupted in the Masquerade club, situated in the basement of a tall building in Istanbul. The club was closed for renovations during the daytime.

Istanbul governor Davut Gül stated that the fire ignited shortly after midday, and the cause remains uncertain. It is believed that the victims were engaged in the renovation activities.

A total of eight individuals, including the nightclub manager and a person responsible for the renovations, are subject to arrest warrants in connection with the incident. While three have been apprehended, others are still sought by authorities.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, converged around the club’s entrance, which was charred and emitting smoke. The club spans two floors beneath a 16-story residential complex in Istanbul’s Gayrettepe district.

Throughout the afternoon, the number of casualties steadily rose, with the governor’s office issuing successive updates.

Istanbul’s recently re-elected mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, noted that the club had not obtained the necessary construction permit. He conveyed his condolences to the victims via social media, stating, “May God have mercy on our citizens who lost their lives, and I wish a speedy recovery to our injured.”

Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was briefed on the tragic incident following a conversation with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.