Casualties from Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Reach 78
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Synopsis
The tragic fire at Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu, Turkey has claimed 78 lives, with 11 arrests made, including key officials. Investigations are ongoing as the nation mourns. President Erdogan vows accountability for those responsible.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll has reached 78 from the fire.
- 11 individuals, including local officials, detained.
- Fire started in the restaurant area of a 12-story hotel.
- National mourning declared by President Erdogan.
- Ongoing treatment for injured, one in intensive care.
Ankara, Jan 23 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from the catastrophic fire at Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort in the northwestern Bolu province has increased to 78, with 11 individuals taken into custody concerning the incident, as stated by Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc on Thursday.
Among those detained are the Deputy Mayor of Bolu responsible for the fire department, the fire chief, along with the hotel owner and manager. Tunc updated the public on the social media platform X, noting that investigations are still underway.
The blaze erupted in the early hours of Tuesday and swiftly spread through the 12-story wooden structure. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire started in the restaurant area located on the fourth floor before rapidly consuming the upper levels.
In response to the tragedy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a national day of mourning on Wednesday.
“Those responsible for this catastrophe in any manner, including any negligence or fault, will face legal consequences,” Erdogan stated at a press conference following the cabinet meeting.
He also mentioned that 17 of the injured individuals had been released from the hospital, while treatment is ongoing for the remaining wounded, with one currently in intensive care, according to Xinhua news agency.
The hotel housed 238 guests during the peak holiday season.
Kartalkaya is a renowned ski resort in the Koroglu mountains, approximately 300 km east of Istanbul.
Bolu serves as the administrative center for both Bolu Province and Bolu District, positioned on the highway connecting Istanbul and Ankara.
Nestled atop the Koroglu Mountains, 38 km from the center of Bolu, the ski and mountain hotel occupies an area of 60,000 square meters.
It stands as one of Turkey's leading winter tourism destinations, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the ski season.
