Death Toll in Kartalkaya Hotel Fire Reaches 76

The night of January 21, located in Bolu's Kartalkaya Ski Center Fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel, Turkey was drowned in grief. Minister of Interior Or Yerlikaya, the number of people who lost their lives in the fire It rose to 76 The incident, which caused great sadness throughout the country, brought about many discussions and investigations.

Details of the incident

Fire at night time at 03:27 It started on the fourth floor of the hotel and spread rapidly. Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin, stated that the fire was rapidly advancing towards the roof due to the wooden cladding and that it was difficult to control. During the fire, there were no people in the hotel. 238 registered guests The Minister of Internal Affairs was present until now 52 people were identified ve 45 bodies were delivered to their families explained. For the remaining people, forensic and DNA tests are ongoing He expressed.

Firefighting Response and Deficiencies

It was revealed that there were serious deficiencies in the fire response. After the first report, firefighters from Bolu city center were able to extinguish the fire only At 04:15 was able to intervene. There is no fire department in the ski resort area, delayed the fire from being brought under control. Eyewitnesses said there was not enough Fire escape, alarm system ve fire extinguishing equipment He claimed that it was not.

Following these allegations, Interior Minister Yerlikaya said, “All processes will be examined in detail and those responsible will be held accountable,” he said. In addition, at the scene two chief inspectors of property while being assigned, Adalet Bakanlığı A judicial investigation was launched under the leadership of the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Fire Agenda in Politics

The fire in Kartalkaya has also become the main agenda item in politics. President Recep Tayyip ErdoğanIn his speech at the AK Party 8th Ordinary Congress held in Ankara, he emphasized that the incident will be clarified in all its aspects and that those responsible will be held accountable.

CHP leader Özgür Özel stated that they are following the process closely and that they are working in coordination with the Bolu Mayor and deputies. Özel announced that they have cancelled the group meeting that they were going to hold today as a party and said, “Today is not the day to get involved in this hot agenda of politics.”

Investigations and Legal Process

After the fire 9 people were detained and the judicial process has been initiated. Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunc, Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate the cause of the incident 6 prosecutors ve 5-person expert panel At the same time, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security has also appointed an investigation into the incident. four chief inspectors commissioned.

Initial findings regarding the cause of the fire indicate that the hotel inadequacy of fire safety measures ve possibility of negligence This situation has brought to the agenda the need to reconsider fire safety standards in winter tourism facilities throughout Türkiye.

Importance of Kartalkaya and Holiday Season Crowd

Köroğlu Mountains Kartalkaya Ski Resort, located at the foot of the mountain, is known as one of Turkey's most important winter tourism destinations. Due to the mid-term holiday, there was a busy area and hotel. However, fire safety and infrastructure deficiencies in such touristic facilities pose a great risk in terms of preventing possible disasters.

National Mourning and Social Mourning

Presidency after the fire a day of national mourning declared. Flags were lowered to half-staff, and a great atmosphere of mourning prevailed throughout Türkiye. Psychological support teams were assigned for the relatives of those who lost their lives in the fire.

This fire in Bolu Kartalkaya was not only a great tragedy, but also a disaster in touristic facilities. fire safety standards It was also recorded as an incident that led to questioning.

To prevent such disasters;

  • Making fire safety equipment mandatory,
  • Deployment of fire departments close to tourist areas,
  • Increasing the frequency of periodic inspections once again it became clear that it was necessary.

After this great pain, Türkiye must take measures for a safer future. Grand Kartal Hotel fire, is a lesson that should not be forgotten.