The death toll in the fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya ski resort has risen to 76. Nine individuals, including the hotel’s owner, have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on Wednesday.
The fire which erupted in the restaurant area of the 12-story hotel, has sparked outrage and raised questions about the building’s safety measures. The incident has prompted a national day of morning declared by President Recap Tayyip Erdogan. Six prosecutors have have been appointed to lead the investigation into the incident.
Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences, describing how the hotel’s fire alarm system failed to activate during the blaze. Many guest reported being left in darkness and thick smoke, with no emergency lights to guide them.
As rescue teams combed through the debris, Minister Yerlikaya confirmed that 45 victims have been identified and their remains returned to grieving families, while DNA testing continues to identify the remaining victims.
The hotel management issued a statement expressing condolences and committing to cooperate fully with authorities. Kartalkaya, located in Bolu province about 295 kilometers east of Istanbul, is one of Turkey’s most popular winter tourism destinations, drawing thousands of visitors annually. The ski resort sees a significant surge in visitors during the winter holidays, especially between January and early February.
