Fire at ski resort in Turkey: hotel owner names those responsible for the first time.

Hotel owner admits culpability in fire that killed 78 people

The owner of the Grand Kartal hotel in Bolu, Turkey, Halit Ergyul, stated that the responsibility for the fire, which resulted in the deaths of 78 people, lies with the hotel staff. This was reported by the Turkish publication Karar.

Halit Ergyul, who spoke before prosecutors and in court, noted that the culprits in this fire were the chef and kitchen staff, who were responsible for the kitchen appliances, as well as security personnel and the electrician in charge of the fire alarm.

It is noted that the fire occurred in the hotel's restaurant area, and the chimneys passed through fire escapes, carrying the flames to the upper floors. Most of the victims died from carbon monoxide, which was present in the building. It is important to highlight that the fire alarm and ventilation system were not operational during the fire.

During the investigation, 19 individuals were detained, including the deputy mayor of Bolu, who was responsible for the fire service, the deputy chief, and fire department personnel.

It was previously established that the slopes and cable cars at the Grand Kartal hotel are already 32 years old and are in poor condition. Additionally, the equipment was delivered from an Austrian resort.

Recall that a massive fire occurred at the resort in Bolu on the night of January 21. The fire started in a wooden hotel located at an altitude of 2,200 meters. About 240 guests were in the hotel. On January 22, Turkey declared a day of mourning. The Grand Kartal hotel was completely destroyed.

As a result of the tragedy, many residents of Turkey began purchasing fire extinguishers, leading to a price increase. In some places, prices have risen by 100% compared to the previous two weeks.