At least 76 were confirmed dead in a massive fire that erupted at a ski resort in Northern Turkey, Kartalkaya. The Grand Kartel Hotel is one of the most prominent ski resorts in the area. It was packed with families during winter when housed flames broke out at around 3:30 am.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the figure increased from 66 to 76. In addition, he mentioned that out of the 76 victims, 52 have so far been identified. Forensic experts have been working to identify the rest. Most of the bodies of the victims have been returned to their families, added the minister.
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The accident happened in season for the ski hotel, which is situated at 2000 meters above sea level and is almost full in the two-week winter holiday that commenced last Friday. After the incident, Yerlikaya further reported that 238 guests were in the hotel. In addition, 51 people were reported injured.
Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu declared that 17 of the injured were discharged while 34 are still inside the hospital, one of whom is in intensive care. In addition, Yerlikaya confirmed that the number of people arrested in connection with the blaze has risen from an earlier four to nine. Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and who could’ve been responsible.
“Our pain is great,” said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he announced a national day of mourning on Wednesday and promised that those who are responsible would be “held to account.”
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