In Turkiye, nine individuals have been detained in connection with a tragic fire that took place at a ski resort hotel, claiming the lives of 76 people.
The fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel, located in the Kartalkaya ski resort, nestled in the Bolu Mountains. This devastating incident has raised serious concerns regarding the building’s safety measures, prompting a swift investigation.
The arrests were confirmed by Turkiye’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, who reported that among those detained was the hotel’s owner.
This move comes after it was revealed that the hotel’s fire detection system failed to function during the blaze, adding to the chaos and confusion that occurred as guests struggled to escape.
Witnesses and survivors reported that no fire alarms went off, and many had to navigate through thick smoke in total darkness, heightening the peril of the situation.
The fire is believed to have started in the restaurant area of the 12-story hotel, which was fully booked with 238 guests at the time.
In the wake of this disaster, six prosecutors have been appointed to investigate the cause of the fire, and it is expected that more details will emerge as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, DNA testing is underway to identify the remaining victims, with 45 bodies already returned to their families.
Survivors of the horrific blaze described scenes of terror, with some individuals even leaping from windows in a desperate attempt to escape the fire. The trauma caused by the event has left a deep emotional scar on both the survivors and the families of the victims.
The Turkish government, alongside the hotel management, has promised full cooperation with authorities to ensure that justice is served.
In a public statement, the hotel expressed its condolences to the victims' families and vowed to assist authorities in shedding light on the full scope of the incident.
They offered their deepest sympathies, acknowledging the immense pain caused by the tragedy. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye has also declared a national day of mourning in response to the devastating loss of life.
This tragedy occurred during the peak winter tourism season at Kartalkaya, one of Turkiye’s popular ski resorts, located around 295 km east of Istanbul.
As this popular destination attracts tourists from both within Turkiye and abroad, the incident has not only shocked the nation but also raised important questions about the safety protocols in place at such establishments.
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