76 People Killed in Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Hotel
At least 76 people were killed in a hotel fire at a popular ski resort in Bolu, Turkey in the early hours of January 21. 2 people died jumping from windows to escape the flames.
The fire began at approximately 3:27 a.m. local time in the restaurant area on the hotel’s fourth floor, quickly spreading upward. Freezing weather conditions delayed the arrival of fire engines by an hour. It took 12 hours to fully extinguish the fire, and 9 people, including the hotel's owner, have been arrested since the incident.
A Rising Death Toll and Grieving Families
Initially reported as 10 fatalities, the death toll rose sharply to 76 as rescue efforts continued. Among the identified victims were notable figures such as 10-year-old swimmer Vedia Nil Apak and her mother Ferda, as well as Eslem Uyanik, a young chef at the hotel. Others included prominent academic Prof. Atakan Yalcin, members of journalist Nedim Turkmen’s family, and 24-year-old Dilara Ermanoglu.
The grief extended to victims’ families, including Dilara’s father, who suffered a heart attack while searching for his daughter. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu confirmed 51 injuries, with one person in intensive care and 17 already discharged.
Investigation and Allegations of Negligence
Early investigations revealed concerns about fire safety, with the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) noting that an automatic sprinkler system that was supposed to be installed in 2008 was not installed. Survivors’ testimonies suggested failures in detection systems and unclear escape routes.
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Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin acknowledged the logistical challenges in responding to the fire due to the hotel’s remote location. Despite a 2024 safety inspection that raised no concerns, the disaster has prompted renewed scrutiny of fire safety regulations.
National Mourning and Condolences
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a day of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast to honor the victims. “Those responsible for negligence leading to this fire will be held accountable,” Erdogan stated.
The Bolu mountains, a favorite destination for skiers from Istanbul and Ankara, are now shrouded in grief as the nation comes to terms with one of the worst fire tragedies in recent memory.
This tragedy casts a somber shadow over what should have been a festive ski season, leaving the community and the nation grappling with heartbreak and calls for accountability.
