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A fire killed at least 29 people in a 16-storey residential building in Istanbul on Tuesday, the governor of Turkiye\u2019s economic capital said, updating an earlier toll of 15 dead and eight hurt.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number of people who lost their lives in the fire [\u2026] in Gayrettepe of Besiktas district has increased to 29,\u201d Governor Davut Gul\u2019s office said in a statement, referring to the Istanbul neighbourhood.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne person hurt in the fire was still being treated in hospital,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n
The fire began at 0947 GMT, the office said and was only brought under control by firefighters hours later.<\/p>\n
Television images showed flames and a column of thick smoke rushing from upper-storey windows.<\/p>\n
The number of people reported killed and hurt rose throughout the afternoon in a string of statements from the governor\u2019s office, as more victims succumbed to their injuries.<\/p>\n
The blaze had broken out during construction work on the first and second floors below ground, which housed a nightclub, Gul told reporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn investigation has been opened into the fire in Gayrettepe,\u201d Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya posted on X.<\/p>\n