Turkey nightclub tragedy: At least 29 dead in daytime nightclub fire in Istanbul

A devastating fire has claimed the lives of at least 29 individuals and left one person injured at a nightclub in Turkey.

The Masquerade nightclub, situated in the basement of a high-rise building, became engulfed in flames shortly after midday, according to Istanbul governor Davut Gül. 

The club had been closed for renovations during the day and the victims of the fire were believed to have been involved in the ongoing renovation work. Eight individuals, including the nightclub manager and a renovation personnel, are subject to arrest warrants in connection to the fire as investigations proceed. While three of them have been apprehended, others remain at large.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. 

Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, recently re-elected, said that the club had not obtained the necessary construction permit. He expressed condolences to the victims on social media, extending prayers for those who lost their lives and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been informed of the tragic event following a conversation with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.