Istanbul Nightclub Fire Leaves Dozens Dead

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Apr 02, 2024

Image copyright: Sercan Ozkurnazli/dia images/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated Apr 03

The Facts

A fire at the Masquerade Club in Istanbul, Turkey, a nightclub located in the basement of a high-rise, has left at least 29 dead and others injured.
Local officials said the fire broke out during the day while the club was closed for renovations. Construction workers are reportedly among the dead.

The Spin

Narrative A

While the cause of this fire is yet unclear, Turkish authorities are certainly leaving no stone unturned after detaining several people and issuing warrants for several others. It also appears the nightclub did not have the required permits to resume construction, so there's a good chance that people will be brought to justice.

Forbes

Narrative B

Given Turkey's history of failed infrastructure, especially during the devastating earthquakes, it's not surprising that an unapproved construction project was systemically ignored. Pres. Erdoğan used to favor state intervention, but due to international pressure, he has deregulated the construction industry to the point of lethality.