24.01.2025 12:10
While mourning the loss of 78 lives, including 36 children, in the fire in Kartalkaya, Turkey, the negligence of the hotel that practically invited the disaster has also come to light. Survivors stated that the hotel's fire safety measures were inadequate, the fire alarm was not functioning, and there were insufficient fire escape stairs. Here are 8 instances of negligence in the tragedy that everyone is avoiding taking responsibility for...
While discussions continue about who is responsible for the inspection related to the fire disaster at the Grand Kartal Hotel located in the famous ski resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu, 8 instances of negligence at the hotel have come to light.
Here are 8 instances of negligence related to the disaster at the Grand Kartal Hotel;
- Evacuation exits, number of exits, exit direction, and transportation are insufficient
- Illuminated directional signs are inadequate
- The emergency lighting in the building is insufficient
- The electrical installation compliance is inadequate
- Insufficiencies in fire extinguishing equipment instructions, detection systems, fire alarms, lightning rods, and smoke control (smoke ventilation and evacuation)
- Detection systems and fire alarms, heat smoke detectors are inadequate
- Lightning rod is inadequate
- Smoke control, smoke ventilation, and evacuation system are inadequate
EVEN THEIR OWN EMPLOYEES COMPLAINED
While 12 people were detained in connection with the incident, the teams completed their work in the area. As the effects of the disaster continue, hotel employees who survived the fire mentioned the shortcomings at the Grand Kartal Hotel. In addition to the employees, citizens who managed to escape the fire at the hotel also complained about numerous deficiencies or negligence.
THE FIRE ALERT CAME AT 03:30 BUT...
On the other hand, the fire report prepared by the Bolu Municipality Fire Department regarding the fire that caused the death of 78 people has emerged. The report states that the first alert was received at 03:30, and after the fire brigade teams set out with 11 vehicles and 30 personnel, they covered 42 kilometers and reached the scene at 04:24.
TANJU ÖZCAN BLAMED THE MINISTRY
After the fire disaster that shocked Turkey, Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, while still not having buried the bodies, went around various channels (CNN Türk, Halk TV, TGRT News...) stating that they did not have inspection authority and passed the responsibility to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In every broadcast he attended, Tanju Özcan expressed that he had no responsibility in the hotel fire, and it was revealed that the Bolu Municipality, which he presides over, issued a fire safety certificate for the café of the Grand Kartal Hotel 19 days before the fire. Moreover, the signature on the document belongs to Sedat Gülener, the nephew of Tanju Özcan, who is also affiliated with the Fire Department.
MINISTER ERSOY POINTED TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
On the first day of the incident, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, along with other ministers, made a one-minute statement in front of the cameras, stating, "The hotel has a fire safety certificate issued by the fire department. This is already an authority of the fire department. Regular inspections and qualifications must also be carried out by the fire department. To date, there has been no negative situation reported to us by the fire department. The investigation process is ongoing. May we all be strong. I wish patience to those who have lost their loved ones."
THE MINISTRY THAT ISSUED THE LICENSE
It is being discussed that the license for the Grand Kartal Hotel, where 78 of our people lost their lives and which does not even have a fire escape, was issued by the ministry, and that the Bolu Municipality does not have the authority to conduct inspections here.
PUBLIC EXPECTATION: TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Following this tragic event, the public expects transparency and accountability from the authorities. It is emphasized that a comprehensive investigation should be conducted regarding the cause of the fire, the negligence in the inspection processes, and the identification of those responsible. Furthermore, this tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of conducting security inspections meticulously in tourism facilities and sharing inspection reports transparently with the public.