According to Istanbul’s governor, the fire broke out during renovation work.
At least 29 people were killed and one injured when a fire broke out during daytime renovation work at a nightclub in central Istanbul, the Istanbul City Governor’s Office said.
“The number of people who lost their lives in the fire… has increased to 29,” Governor Davut Gul’s office said in a statement on Tuesday.
“One person injured in the fire is still receiving treatment in hospital,” it added.
The fire broke out on Tuesday on the first floor of a 16-storey building in the residential Geiretepe area.
Television footage showed flames and columns of thick smoke billowing from windows on the upper floors.
The fire broke out at 12:47 p.m. (9:47 GMT) and was brought under control by firefighters several hours later, the governor’s office said.
It said an investigation into the incident had been launched.
According to state media, arrest warrants have been issued for five people, including club management and the person in charge of renovation work.
By late afternoon, about 20 fire trucks and ambulances were still crowded around the building.
The number of deaths gradually increases
Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said the nightclub was closed for repairs during Ramadan at the time of the incident.
“They were preparing for the Eid holiday, which will take place next week,” she said.
Our correspondent said the death toll was initially low but increased as people died after being taken to hospitals for treatment.
Masquerade’s website says it will be closed from March 10 to April 10 “for new design renovations.” It will host DJ performances and stage shows several times a week, and can accommodate up to 4,000 people.
Authorities cut off power, water and gas to the area, and residents of the building were evacuated as a precaution.