At least 27 dead in Istanbul after fire breaks out during nightclub renovations

Authorities in Istanbul are investigating a fire that broke out during renovations at a nightclub and left at least 27 people dead and others severely injured.

First responders on Tuesday surrounded the charred and smoking entrance to the club, which is on two floors underneath a 16-story residential building.

The nightclub is in the central part of the city, the city governor's office said. The daytime fire broke out during a monthlong closure for renovations.

One injured person was in critical condition at a hospital, the governor's office said.

Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul told reporters at the scene that the victims were believed to be involved in the renovation work, The Associated Press reported.

Five people were ordered detained, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said, including club managers and one person in charge of the renovations, the AP said.

The club is in Istanbul's Gayrettepe neighborhood on the west bank of the Bosporus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Istanbul nightclub fire kills at least 27 during renovations