Authorities have launched an investigation into the blaze at the 12-storey Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya ski resort, Bolu Mountains, assigning six prosecutors to oversee the case. The fire reportedly began in the restaurant section of the hotel.
Witness accounts and reports allege failures in the hotel’s fire safety systems. Survivors among the 238 registered guests said no alarms were triggered, forcing them to navigate dark, smoke-filled corridors. Some described chaotic scenes, fleeing through windows to escape the flames.
Interior Minister Yerlikaya confirmed that 45 victims' bodies have been returned to their families, while DNA testing continues for others. “Our hearts are broken. We are in mourning,” Yerlikaya told reporters outside the hotel. “But you should know that whoever is responsible for causing this pain will not escape justice.”
The hotel expressed sorrow and pledged full cooperation in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the losses and want you to know that we share this pain with all our hearts. We are cooperating with authorities to shed light on all aspects of this incident.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday. The tragedy comes during Kartalkaya’s peak winter tourism season. Located about 295 kilometers (183 miles) east of Istanbul, the resort is one of Turkey’s premier ski destinations, drawing thousands of visitors annually.