A day of mourning began in Türkiye for the lives of 76 victims of the fire that swept through a famous ski resort hotel in the northwest of the country.
The fire broke out at the 12-storey wooden Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu at 03:27 local time (00:27 GMT) during a busy holiday period where 234 people were staying. It took 12 hours to put out.
An investigation was opened into the incident and there were conflicting reports about whether the hotel met safety standards.
Nine people were arrested, including the hotel owner.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is expected to visit Bolu on Wednesday, said those responsible for the negligence that led to the fire “will be held accountable.”
Flags are flown at half-mast across Türkiye in memory of the fire victims, while the first funerals are held.
Search and rescue teams are making their final efforts to find any remaining bodies.
In addition to the dead, 51 people were injured in the fire, according to Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu. One of them was receiving treatment in intensive care, and 17 people were discharged from the hospital.
Footage circulating in Türkiye showed linens hanging from windows that were used by those trying to escape from the burning building.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin said that initial reports indicate that it broke out in the restaurant section on the fourth floor of the hotel and spread to the upper floors.
Governor Polo said the hotel's remote location and freezing conditions meant it took more than an hour for fire trucks to arrive.
The hotel was last inspected in 2024, and the tourism minister said there were no fire safety concerns at the hotel before Tuesday's disaster.
However, the Union of Turkish Chambers of Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) said that according to regulations, an automatic fire extinguishing system is needed, and it appears from photos of the hotel that one has not been installed.
She added that it was unclear whether other regulations had been adhered to, but based on survivors' statements, “it is understood that detection and alarm systems did not function and escape routes could not be identified.”
The Bolu Mountains are popular with skiers from Istanbul and the Turkish capital Ankara, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) away, and the hotel was operating at a high occupancy rate at the start of the two-week school holiday.
Who are the victims?
InstagramInformation about those who died in the fire continues to emerge, although some bodies have not been identified. At least two people died after trying to jump to safety.
Among the dead were many children and young people, and in many cases, several members of the same family were killed.
Turkish Airlines confirmed this Zahra Sina Gültekin She died with her husband, a businessman Bilal Gültekin, And three children. The Boğaziçi Executives Foundation said two of Bilal's brothers were also killed, while Turkish media reported that other family members also died.
Dentist Dr. Burak Hisar announced that his 15-year-old colleague, Dr. Yasemen Boncuk Tüzgirayher husband Dr. Erhan Tuzgeray, And their children bay and iron Everyone is dead.
The Turkish Wind Energy Association announced that two executives from one of its members, Inovat Energy Storage Solutions, were killed. They are the CEO of the company Maybe toucanHis brother Atel Anis ToukanAnd their children Perfection and Atlas was.
The American College of Tarsus announced the death of its graduates Mert DoganHis wife senseAnd their children blue and Dogan, As well as the grandson of another graduate Omar Kutan.
The ELEV Schools Association announced the death of the students Belen GungorHer mother Zodiac signdad Pride And my brother Kerem. Islam OyanikHe also died, a young chef at the hotel.
Ozyegin UniversityProf. Dr. Atakan YalcinWho worked at the Ozyegin University Business School and his daughter Elif DerenThey both died.
Nadeem TurkmaniA writer for the Sozcu newspaper, his wife Aisha NevaTheir two children are 18 years old Dora Wing And 22 years old Great grandfatherThey were all killed.
TED Istanbul College announced the death of its students Alikan Bodoroglu, His sister Elif NasAnd so is their mother marble.
TED Ankara College shared the news of his death Erin Bagge On her social media accounts.
Dilara ErmanogluShe, 24, was also among the victims, and her father, who had gone to Bolu to look for her, was treated by health workers for a heart attack.
They know Neil your fatherShe, a 10-year-old swimmer at the Fenerbahce Sports Club in Istanbul, also died, along with her mother. Individually.
The club management also said so Sirin Yaman Doganthe wife of the Vice President of the Polo Association, and their 17-year-old daughter moon, They killed. Cyrine was also the daughter of a well-known local businessman.
Muhammad Jim Dogan, The manager of the Bolu factory of OYAK Cement Company has died, as has his wife I live in love And a daughter Aisha Maya.
The Turkish Neurological Society, its member, said: Dr. Ahmed Setiz, He was killed with his family.
