Bolu mayor defends ‘limited authority’ as hotel fire claims 76 lives

A massive fire broke out early Tuesday at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, one of Türkiye’s top ski resorts located in Bolu province, claiming the lives of 76 people and injuring 51 others.

Initial findings have sparked questions about the possible failure of the hotel’s smoke detectors and alarm system. Witnesses reported that the alarms did not sound during the fire, and smoke detectors appeared to be non-functional.

As public outcry over safety measures and alleged negligence at the hotel intensified, Bolu Mayor Tanju Ozcan addressed the accusations during a live broadcast on Turkish media outlet TGRT Haber.

Ozcan stated, “I don’t have the authority to inspect hotels,” claiming that the responsibility lies with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. However, he acknowledged that a municipal team had inspected the hotel on December 16 and submitted a report.

Hotel outside of municipal jurisdiction, says Bolu Mayor

Ozcan claimed that the hotel is outside the municipal jurisdiction, saying, “The building permit for the hotel was issued by the special provincial administration, and the operating license was granted by the ministry. If the Ministry of Culture and Tourism inspected the hotel, where is their report?”

The mayor also noted that the Bolu Municipality became involved due to a lack of regulation within district municipalities, but reiterated his limited authority. “We inspect the central district. I inspected areas outside my jurisdiction, but I don’t have the authority to inspect locations outside my designated area. The decision falls under the authority of the special provincial administration,” Ozcan argued.

Accusations, slander claims and resignation

In a previous live interview, Ozcan expressed his frustration over what he described as slanderous accusations against him. “I am very angry because slanders are being made about me. Through the partisan press, the ministers of this country, the pens for sale of this country are making all kinds of slanders,” he said.

“I am ashamed to be a party to these polemics while people are experiencing these pains,” Ozcan stated.

“If I were in responsible, I would resign,” also said Ozcan.

As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, attention is increasingly focused on the hotel’s safety standards and potential lapses in oversight.

Kartalkaya in Bolu is one of Türkiye’s leading winter tourism destinations, attracting thousands of visitors during the ski season. The resort is located approximately 295 kilometers (183 miles) east of Istanbul.