Türkiye declares national day of mourning after fatal hotel fire in Bolu

Türkiye has declared a national day of mourning following the tragic death of 76 people in a devastating hotel fire in Bolu province.

Speaking after Cabinet meeting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a one-day national mourning due to the fire in Bolu.

Death toll rises to 76, says Interior Minister Yerlikaya

Meanwhile, later on Tuesday evening Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the number of victims rised to 76.

“Unfortunately the number of dead is now 76,” said Yerlikaya, updating an earlier figure of 66 dead and saying 52 of the victims had been identified so far.

He also said that 9 people were detained in connection with the fire that broke out.

A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday at a hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in northern Türkiye, leaving 76 people dead and 51 injured, local authorities reported.

The fire broke out early in the morning at the resort’s restaurant area, quickly spreading throughout the building. Despite ten hours of relentless firefighting efforts, the flames were eventually brought under control, with authorities continuing to cool the affected areas.

Of the injured, 17 have been discharged, while one remains in intensive care, according to Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with a team of prosecutors and experts working to determine fault. Four people, including the hotel owner, have been detained as part of the probe.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured that all necessary steps will be taken to hold those responsible accountable. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences from international leaders, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kartalkaya is a popular winter destination in Türkiye, located about 295 kilometers east of Istanbul.