Nine individuals, including the owner of the Grand Kartal Hotel, have been detained in connection with a deadly fire at the hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya Ski Resort. The fire, which broke out on the night of January 21, claimed the lives of at least 76 people. The Grand Kartal Hotel, a 12-story building located in the Bolu Mountains, was housing 238 registered guests at the time of the incident.
The fire is believed to have originated in the restaurant area of the hotel and quickly spread throughout the building. Local authorities have confirmed that six prosecutors have been assigned to the investigation. In addition to the hotel owner, eight other individuals have been arrested as part of the inquiry into the fire's cause and the building's safety standards.
Survivors of the fire reported alarming issues with the hotel’s safety measures. Witnesses indicated that the fire detection system failed to activate during the blaze, and no fire alarms were heard. Many survivors described navigating the smoke-filled hallways in darkness, unable to see or find exits. Some guests attempted to escape by jumping out of windows. The Turkish Interior Minister confirmed that bodies of 45 victims have been returned to their families, with DNA testing underway to identify the remaining deceased.
The fire occurred during the peak winter season when Kartalkaya is a popular ski destination, further complicating the emergency response. Turkey's government has faced growing scrutiny over the hotel’s safety protocols, with concerns about inadequate fire prevention measures and emergency preparedness. The country's authorities have vowed to ensure justice for those responsible for the incident.
In response to the tragedy, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning for January 22. The Grand Kartal Hotel has issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging full cooperation with the investigation. It stated, “We are deeply saddened by the losses and want you to know that we share this pain with all our hearts.”