Azerbaijani defence minister extends condolences to Turkish counterpart over hotel fire tragedy

Azerbaijani Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov offered his condolences to Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler in the wake of the devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu province.

According to a statement shared on the Ministry’s official X account, Hasanov expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and injuries caused by the tragedy, which claimed 76 lives and left 51 others injured, per Caliber.Az.

The catastrophic fire erupted in the early hours of January 21 at the 12-story Grand Kartal hotel, located in Türkiye’s northwestern Köroğlu mountains, approximately 300 kilometres (185 miles) east of Istanbul. The blaze occurred during a school holiday, a peak season for the ski resort, which was hosting 237 guests at the time.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that at least two victims perished after jumping from the building in desperation. "Our hearts are broken. We are in mourning," Yerlikaya said at the site. "But you should know that whoever is responsible for causing this pain will not escape justice."

The fire, believed to have started in the hotel’s restaurant, spread rapidly, fueled by the wooden cladding on the façade. Many guests were caught off guard as the fire alarms reportedly failed to activate.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation, appointing six prosecutors to oversee the probe. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç revealed that nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained for questioning.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared January 22 a national day of mourning to honour the victims. 

By Tamilla Hasanova