Deadly Fire at Hotel Managed by Turkey’s Tourism Ministry: 79 Lives Lost

24 Jan 2025
Deadly Fire at Hotel Managed by Turkey’s Tourism Ministry: 79 Lives Lost
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A tragic fire at a hotel under the supervision of Turkey’s Ministry of Tourism has claimed the lives of 79 people, many of them children. The incident occurred in Bolu, a city located 260 kilometers from Istanbul and 190 kilometers from the capital, Ankara.

The fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Bolu Kartalkaya region, renowned for winter sports and skiing. In addition to the fatalities, dozens were injured in the disaster.

Negligence and Greed Lead to Another Tragedy

Once again, negligence, poor construction, lack of oversight, and profit-driven motives have resulted in a deadly catastrophe in Turkey. Survivors reported that the hotel lacked basic safety measures, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishing systems. Some even claimed there were no fire extinguishers available.

The 12-story hotel became a death trap as people tried to escape by tying bed sheets together or jumping from windows. Many of the victims were children visiting the ski resort during their semester break.

Conflicting Statements from Officials

Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan stated that the affected area was not under his jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy claimed that the hotel had been inspected in 2021 and 2024, and had received a fire safety certificate from the fire department.

However, these claims were quickly debunked. Minister Ersoy owns ETS, a tourism company that collaborates with the Grand Kartal Hotel. Despite the lack of adequate fire safety measures, the ministry allowed the hotel to operate and accept guests. A significant portion of the hotel’s customers reportedly booked their stays through the minister’s ETS company.

Experts Highlight Oversight Failures

The Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) pointed to systemic failures as a key factor in the high death toll. “The greed for profit, the use of substandard building materials, and lack of inspections significantly contributed to the loss of life,” TMMOB representatives said.

A Recurring Pattern of Neglect and Corruption

This tragedy highlights yet again how government negligence, ministerial misconduct, and unchecked greed can lead to devastating loss of life in Turkey. As investigations continue, public outrage grows over the preventable nature of this disaster and the accountability of those in power.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of enforcing strict safety regulations and prioritizing human lives over profits.