Türkiye detains nine in connection with ski resort hotel fire

A hotel fire at Türkiye's Kartalkaya Ski Resort claimed 76 lives and injured 51. The blaze started early Tuesday, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

Authorities in Türkiye have detained nine individuals, including the owner of the hotel, as part of an investigation into a fire at a ski resort in Bolu province that resulted in 76 fatalities and multiple injuries, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Wednesday.

According to Yerlikaya, the remains of 45 individuals have been identified and handed over to their families, while forensic examinations are ongoing for the remaining victims.

The fire occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at the Grand Kartal Hotel, located in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort. Local officials reported that the incident led to 76 fatalities and 51 injuries, with emergency response teams providing medical assistance to those affected.

The Bolu Governor’s Office stated that the fire originated around 3:30 a.m. (GMT+3) on the restaurant floor of the 12-story hotel. In response, emergency services deployed 30 fire trucks, 28 ambulances, and a total of 231 personnel to manage the situation. Efforts to contain the fire and ensure the safety of guests were carried out with the support of reinforcements.

Initial reports from authorities indicated a lower casualty count, but the number increased as rescue operations progressed. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with officials examining various factors that may have contributed to the incident.

At the time of the fire, the hotel was accommodating 238 guests. Emergency response teams worked to evacuate individuals from the premises, and those requiring medical attention were transferred to nearby healthcare facilities.

Following the incident, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a national day of mourning on January 22. Additionally, an investigative team has been assigned to determine the circumstances surrounding the event. Authorities have confirmed that the hotel had undergone routine fire safety inspections in previous years, and further assessments are being conducted to evaluate compliance with regulations.

Kartalkaya Ski Resort, located in the Köroğlu Mountains, is a well-known winter destination approximately 38 kilometers from Bolu and 270 kilometers from Istanbul. The incident has prompted discussions on fire safety protocols within the hospitality sector.

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