At least 76 people have died in a devastating fire at the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwestern Turkey, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on Tuesday. Nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained in connection with the incident.
Yerlikaya said that search and rescue operations at the site have been completed. “Our teams have finalized their search efforts, and investigations are ongoing,” he stated.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday, offering condolences to the victims’ families. He also vowed that those responsible for the disaster would be held accountable. “Those who have negligence and fault will be held accountable before the law,” Erdogan said.
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The fire broke out at 3:27 AM local time in the 12-storey wooden hotel, which was housing 238 guests during the busy holiday season. Initial reports suggest the fire started in the restaurant area on the fourth floor before spreading upwards.
Authorities evacuated around 230 guests from the hotel. Firefighters, search-and-rescue teams, and medical units were dispatched from nearby areas to help control the blaze.
A judicial investigation has been launched, with six public prosecutors assigned and an expert committee formed, according to Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc.
Kartalkaya, a popular ski resort located in the Koroglu mountains, is about 300 km east of Istanbul. The resort has been a top destination for Turkish skiers since 1978, offering direct access to 23 slopes.
Bolu, the nearest city, is situated between Istanbul and Ankara, around 38 km from the resort.
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