• Moumi Mousumi
• 27 Jan, 2025

Turkish officials have detained 19 individuals in connection with a devastating fire at a ski resort hotel in Bolu that claimed 78 lives. The arrests include high-ranking local officials and members of the hotel’s management Anadolu news agency reported.

Details of the Incident

The fire broke out on January 21st at the Grand Karta Hotel a 12 story building near the ski slopes of Kartalkaya. At the time 238 guests were staying at the hotel. Survivors described the blaze as “horrific” spreading rapidly in the middle of the night.

Who Was Arrested.?

Among those arrested are the hotel owner his son in law, the chief electrician and the head chef. Local authorities including the town’s deputy mayor and deputy fire chief are also under investigation for potential negligence.

Safety Failures Highlighted

Experts and survivors have raised serious concerns about safety measures at the hotel. They pointed out the lack of fire alarms, sprinklers, working smoke detectors and proper emergency exits which may have worsened the tragedy.

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Government Response

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that authorities are thoroughly investigating the roles of the hotel management and emergency services. Families of the victims gathered in Istanbul on Friday for funerals mourning their loved ones lost in the disaster.

The Kartalkaya ski resort tragedy has sparked outrage over safety standards and accountability in Turkiye’s hospitality sector. As investigations continue, authorities vow to hold those responsible accountable for the devastating loss of life.