Hotel owner’s family among those arrested following Kartalkaya fire disaster
Turkish emergency personnel operate on the aftermath of a fire that broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort in Bolu, January 22, 2025. (AFP Photo)
In the wake of the devastating fire at Grand Kartal Hotel in Türkiye’s Kartalkaya Ski Resort, the wife and two daughters of hotel owner Halit Ergul have been arrested. The investigation, led by the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, has intensified following the release of an expert report.
Multiple arrests as investigation expands
The latest arrests come after the detention of Bolu Provincial Special Administration’s Licensing and Inspection Director Yeliz Erdogan. An additional nine arrest warrants were issued, bringing more suspects into custody. Among those detained are Emine Murtezaoglu Ergul, the wife of Halit Ergul, and their daughters Elif Aras and Ceyda Hacibekiroglu. Also arrested were architect Mustafa Selman Celen, civil engineer Ismail Haluk Inceler, occupational safety experts Kubra Demir and Ece Kayacan, electrical technician Muharrem Sen, and former Licensing and Inspection Director Mehmet Ozel, who currently serves as Seben District Private Administration Director.
Following their questioning, Emine Murtezaoglu Ergul, her daughters Yeliz Erdogan and Mehmet Ozel, and electrical technician Muharrem Sen were formally arrested by the on-duty criminal court of peace. Meanwhile, occupational safety expert Kubra Demir was released under judicial control, and architect Mustafa Selman Celen, civil engineer Ismail Haluk Inceler, and occupational safety expert Ece Kayacan were released without restrictions.
Rising number of detentions and arrests
With the latest developments, the total number of individuals arrested in connection with the Grand Kartal Hotel fire has risen to 28. Authorities continue to scrutinize the circumstances leading to the disaster, which took place on Jan. 21.
What happened?
A massive fire broke out at Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya Ski Resort, Bolu, on Jan. 21, resulting in the tragic loss of 78 lives. The Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office swiftly launched an investigation, leading to the detention of 31 suspects. Among those initially arrested were hotel owner Halit Ergul, General Manager Emir Aras, Bolu Deputy Mayor responsible for firefighting Sedat Gulener, Bolu Provincial Special Administration Secretary General Sirri Kostereli, and Acting Fire Department Director Kenan Coskun.
Of the initial detentions, 22 suspects were formally arrested, while nine were released, eight of whom remain under judicial control. Authorities continue to delve into the circumstances surrounding the fire, with further legal proceedings expected.
