Trial kicks off in Türkiye over hotel fire that killed 78

A high-profile trial has begun in Türkiye involving more than 30 defendants in connection with a deadly hotel fire at a popular ski resort in Bolu province that claimed 78 lives and injured 133 others.

The case has drawn national attention, with 210 plaintiffs and 32 defendants involved. Due to the scale of the proceedings, the trial is being held in a sports complex in the city of Bolu, temporarily converted into a courtroom with a 700-seat capacity, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Thirteen of the accused face charges of “deliberate killing or inflicting injury with potential intent” and could each face up to 1,998 years in prison if convicted. The remaining 19 are charged with “negligent homicide or injury,” carrying possible sentences of up to 22.5 years.

The 98-page indictment reveals that the fire broke out at 3:17 a.m. local time, when a spark from an electric stove on the fourth floor ignited a trash bin. The flames reportedly melted a hose connected to a liquefied gas cylinder, causing a powerful explosion.

Employees noticed the blaze at 3:24 a.m. and immediately alerted emergency services, but within two minutes the fire had spiralled out of control.

The tragedy has prompted intense scrutiny of safety standards in tourist accommodations and accountability across management and maintenance personnel.

The Grand Kartal Hotel, built in 1998 and operated by Ergul’s company since 2007, was a popular destination for skiers from Istanbul and Ankara, especially during the winter school break when the fire occurred. Despite claims by the hotel’s owner that fire safety inspections were conducted every two years, with the most recent certificate due to expire in March 2025, survivors and experts have pointed to gross negligence. A report by the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) noted the absence of critical fire safety measures, and survivors reported that no alarms sounded during the fire. Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan stated that the municipality had not issued a fire safety certificate since 2007, contradicting claims by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

By Khagan İsayev