Death toll rises to 76 in Türkiye ski resort fire

A devastating fire at Türkiye's Kartalkaya ski resort in the northwestern Bolu Province has tragically claimed the lives of 76 individuals. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Tuesday that nine people have been detained in connection with the incident.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, Minister Yerlikaya confirmed that search and rescue operations have been concluded. \"Unfortunately, the number of lives lost has increased to 76. Our teams have finalized their search efforts, and investigations are ongoing,\" he stated.

The fire erupted in the early hours of Tuesday, rapidly engulfing the 12-story wooden hotel. Initial investigations indicate that the blaze originated in the restaurant area on the fourth floor before spreading to the upper levels.

In response to the tragedy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday. At a press conference following the cabinet meeting, Erdogan emphasized that \"those who caused such a disaster in any way, those who have negligence and fault will be held accountable before the law.\"

The hotel was hosting 238 guests during the peak holiday season, underscoring the severity of the loss.

Kartalkaya is a renowned ski resort situated in the Koroglu mountains, approximately 300 km east of Istanbul, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.

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Death toll rises to 76 in Türkiye ski resort fire, 9 detained

cgtn.com