Turkish authorities have arrested nine people, including the owner of the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Bolu Mountains, following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 76 people. The fire, which started in the hotel’s restaurant, has raised questions about safety measures at the popular ski resort. Criticism has been mounting over reports that the hotel’s fire detection system failed to activate during the incident, leaving guests to navigate smoke-filled corridors in darkness.
Survivors have described scenes of panic as they fled and some even jumped from windows to escape the blaze. The government has launched an investigation, with six prosecutors leading the case. DNA tests are being conducted to identify the remaining bodies of the victims. The hotel has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with the authorities in their investigation.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a day of national mourning in response to the incident, which occurred during the peak of the winter tourism season in Turkiye. The Kartalkaya ski resort is a popular destination, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The government has promised that those responsible for the tragedy will be brought to justice. In the midst of grief and mourning, efforts are underway to investigate the causes of the fire and ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
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