Synopsis
A tragic fire at Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort has resulted in 76 fatalities, leading to the detention of nine individuals, including the hotel owner. Turkish President Erdogan has declared a national day of mourning as investigations continue into the incident.Key Takeaways
- Nine people have been detained.
- The fire resulted in 76 deaths.
- Search and rescue operations have been completed.
- A national day of mourning has been declared by President Erdogan.
- Investigations are ongoing, targeting those responsible for the fire.
Ankara, Jan 22 (NationPress) Nine individuals have been apprehended following a catastrophic fire that claimed 76 lives at Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort located in northwestern Bolu province, as stated by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Speaking with reporters at the scene on Tuesday, Yerlikaya confirmed that search and rescue operations have concluded, per reports from Xinhua news agency.
The detainees include the hotel owner.
"Regrettably, the death toll has risen to 76. Our teams have completed their search efforts, and investigations are underway," he remarked.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a national day of mourning on Wednesday.
"A one-day national mourning has been declared across the nation tomorrow," Erdogan said during a press conference following a cabinet meeting, offering condolences to the victims' families.
"Those responsible for this disaster, including anyone exhibiting negligence, will be accountable under the law," the Turkish President added.
He noted that 17 of the injured have been released from medical care, while treatment continues for others, including one person in intensive care.
The fire erupted at 03:27 local time in a 12-storey wooden hotel that was housing 238 guests during the peak holiday season.
Preliminary investigations indicate the fire began in the restaurant area on the fourth floor before it spread upwards, according to Bolu Provincial Governor Abdulaziz Aydin.
Upon receiving the alarm, fire crews, search-and-rescue units, and medical personnel were dispatched from the city centre and nearby districts.
Turkey's Anadolu Agency reported that approximately 230 guests were safely evacuated from the hotel as firefighting efforts continued.
"Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that a judicial investigation has been launched by the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, with six public prosecutors assigned and a five-member expert committee formed," the report stated.
Kartalkaya is a renowned ski resort in the Koroglu mountains, situated about 300 km east of Istanbul.
The hotel's website promotes it as one of the premier destinations for Turkish skiers since 1978, providing direct access to 23 slopes totaling 20 km in length.
Bolu is a city in northern Turkey and serves as the administrative center of Bolu Province and Bolu District, strategically located on the highway connecting Istanbul and Ankara.
Perched atop the Koroglu Mountains, it is 38 km from Bolu city centre and 180 km from Ankara and Istanbul, the ski and mountain hotel spans an area of 60,000 square metres.
