A total of at least 29 people have died after a raging inferno at a derelict nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey. Emergency crews raced to the scene on Yildiz Posta Street in the Gayrettepe District overnight where they remain.

       The fire, which according to Turkish press is thought to have been caused by renovations, ignited the ground floor of the 16-storey building. Around 31 fire engines and 86 firefighters scrambled to the street at the height of the blaze.

       The death toll currently stands at 29, with three others in hospital with serious injuries. The fire was extinguished today (April 2) but extensive investigations are underway.

       Istanbul Governor Davut Gül arrived to inspect the scene in Be？ikta？ where he confirmed the flames had ravaged the basement of the premises which had been used as a nightclub.

       He said the building was being refurbished and among those to have lost their lives are employees.

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