At least 29 people dead after fire razed down a 16-storey building block on Tuesday in central Istanbul.
Despite a massive emergency response,flames and thick smoke billowed for hours.
Approximately 20 fire trucks and ambulances were still crowded around the building by late afternoon.
The 29 people were workers who had been working on a nightclub in the basement.
A police cordon kept onlookers and traffic 100 metres (yards) away from the scorched facade.
The firefighters were exhausted as others were seen sitting on the ground with smoke blackened faces and equipment.
According to an AFP reporter,29 people were killed and one hurt who was still being treated in hospital.
It was not immediately clear whether the victims died from smoke inhalation or from the flames.
“An investigation has been opened into the fire that occurred in Gayrettepe (neighbourhood) in the Besiktas district of Istanbul,” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya posted on X.
According to the governor’s office, workmen had been renovating the basement nightclub when the fire broke out.
The governor’s office confirmed that all men who were working in the basement were dead.
“Issued five arrest warrants,including for the club’s owner and manager,”he added.
“Three of the suspects have been arrested and two more are being sought,” it added.
