10.07.2025 16:20
In the trial regarding the hotel fire disaster in Bolu that claimed the lives of 78 people, the defense of the head chef made a significant impact. Concerning the fire that started in the hotel's kitchen, the head chef stated, "I do not accept the accusations. Because I barely saved my life and injured myself. I am the complainant, and I want to participate in the trial."
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In Bolu, during the fourth day of the trial of 32 defendants, 19 of whom are in custody, regarding the hotel fire disaster that deeply shook Turkey and resulted in the loss of 78 lives, the defendant, head chef Reşat Bölük, made his defense.
"I BARELY ESCAPED, I AM COMPLAINING"
In his defense, Bölük stated, "I only work at the hotel during the winter season. The grill plate device, where the fire broke out, is turned on around 05:30-06:00. The grill plate device is located in the show area. The trash can next to the grill plate device is empty because it is cleaned overnight. First, I turn on the switch and then the button of the grill plate device; it is turned on with these two operations. I am not aware of the deficiencies identified during the fire department's inspection. I do not accept the accusations. Because I barely escaped, I injured myself. I am complaining, and I want to participate in the case," he said.
THE MOMENT OF THE FIRE WAS SHOWN
After Reşat Bölük's statement, the presiding judge showed the security camera footage of the moment the fire broke out to those present in the courtroom. After the footage, the court called the technical team and kitchen staff to the stand to take collective statements. Each of them was asked in turn, "What is this flash?"
DISPUTE IN THE COURTROOM
While Reşat B.'s lawyer was starting to make a defense, lawyer Yüksel Gültekin, who lost 8 relatives in the fire, reacted. This led to a dispute between the victim's and the defendant's lawyers.
DEFENSE LAWYERS LEFT THE COURTROOM
After the dispute, some of the defense lawyers left the courtroom. The relatives of the victims also reacted to the lawyers who left the courtroom. A break was given in the trial.
"IF I DISTURB THE PEACE, THROW ME OUT OF THE TRIAL"
In the resumed trial after the break, lawyer Yüksel Gültekin, addressing the court and those present, apologized and said, "If I disturb the peace, throw me out of the trial; if someone else disturbs it, throw them out too. I promise I will do what is necessary for the court to proceed smoothly."
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