Google review raises questions over compromised smoke detectors in Bolu hotel fire
A fire breaks out at a hotel in Türkiye's Kartalkaya Ski Resort, a prominent tourist destination, leaving 6 dead and 31 injured, according to initial reports, in Bolu, Türkiye, on Jan. 21, 2025. (IHA Photo)
A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, one of Türkiye’s most prominent ski resorts in Bolu province, claiming 76 lives and leaving 51 others injured. Preliminary findings have raised questions about a possible failure of the smoke detectors and alarm system, as witnesses reported that the hotel’s alarms did not sound during the fire and smoke detectors appeared to be inoperable.
Preliminary findings revealed several instances of negligence. Although the hotel had two fire escapes, many guests were unable to reach them. Additionally, the fire sensors and alarm system were not functioning.
Compromised smoke detectors?
Witnesses reported that the hotel’s alarms failed to sound during the fire, and the smoke detectors were not operational, despite recent updates to Türkiye’s fire prevention regulations.
Families of the victims expressed outrage over the malfunctioning alarm system. Compounding their concerns, a Google review left last month by a user named Brenda Wu suggested that the hotel’s smoke detectors may have been compromised.
Wu’s review noted a strong cigarette smell throughout the hotel’s seventh floor and raised concerns over lax smoking rules: “The entire hallway smelled like cigarette, which means other guests on the floor smoke a lot. The cigarette smell in the room comes and goes, usually quite heavy at night when all the guests are back.”
Location is good, but I would enforce stricter smoking rules in rooms,” Brenda Wu also mentioned in the comment.
The Grand Kartal Hotel, known for its luxury accommodations and high rates, charges between ₺18,500 and ₺38,000 ($520 to $1,070) per night for bed and breakfast. A week’s stay for two at the highest rate costs around ₺266,000.
In response to the tragedy, Türkiye declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday. Public outrage continues to mount as Turkish media sheds light on the extent of the hotel’s negligence.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc confirmed the appointment of six public prosecutors to investigate the fire.
A five-member expert committee has also been assembled to assess the situation, as conflicting statements from government officials and local authorities persist. The investigation remains ongoing.
