According to a statement from the Istanbul Governor's office, the fire erupted around 12:47 pm in an entertainment center located on the basement floors of a 16-story building in the Gayrettepe neighborhood. Firefighters and medical teams were promptly dispatched to the scene upon receiving notification.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. The fire was extinguished by firefighters, but the initial death toll has risen to eight.  Fifteen individuals were injured, with five in critical condition. All injured are being transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. (ILKHA)