A devastating fire at a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, has claimed the lives of at least 29 people, with eight others sustaining injuries, seven of whom are in critical condition. Authorities fear that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.

The fire erupted during renovation work at the nightclub on Tuesday, as confirmed by Istanbul Governor Davut Gul's office. Local reports indicate that the injured have been rescued and hospitalized for treatment.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched by Istanbul authorities. The blaze occurred in the basement of a 16-storey building in the Besiktas district, where the nightclub was located on the ground floor and underground levels undergoing renovation.

Efforts to extinguish the fire involved 31 fire brigade vehicles, ultimately bringing the blaze under control. Six individuals, including the club manager, have been detained by police for questioning regarding the incident.

As Istanbul mourns the tragic loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of the devastating fire, authorities continue their efforts to determine the circumstances leading to the deadly incident.