Nine arrested as Turkey investigates deadly ski resort fire

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Credit: Reuters

Turkish authorities have detained nine people, including the owner of the Grand Kartal Hotel, following a devastating fire that claimed 76 lives and injured dozens at the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu province.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrests early Wednesday.

The blaze erupted on the restaurant floor of the 12-story hotel at around 3:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) and quickly engulfed the building, which housed 238 registered guests.

Survivors described harrowing scenes of chaos, fleeing through smoke-filled corridors and jumping from windows to escape. Guests also reported that no fire alarms sounded during the incident, forcing them to navigate in darkness.

Authorities have handed over the remains of 45 victims to their families, while DNA testing continues to identify the others.

In a statement, the hotel expressed sorrow over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. “We are deeply saddened by the losses and want you to know that we share this pain with all our hearts,” the statement read.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism over the hotel’s safety measures, with mounting pressure on authorities to ensure accountability.

President Tayyip Erdogan declared Wednesday a national day of mourning, reflecting the nation’s grief during the peak of the winter tourism season. Many victims were families from Istanbul and Ankara who had traveled to the Bolu mountains for a holiday.

The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the cause of the fire and address glaring safety concerns.

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