Owner of Grand Kartal Hotel, which became a grave for 78 people, referred to courthouse

78 people lost their lives in the fire tragedy that occurred at the Grand Kartal Hotel, located at the Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Center. Public outrage is growing due to the chain of negligence that continues to emerge regarding the incident.

14 people have been detained so far in relation to the tragedy. Among those detained was Halit Ergül, the owner of the Grand Kartal Hotel, which became a grave for 78 people. It was learned that Ergül was referred to the courthouse in the evening hours.

The investigation launched by the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the tragedy, which occurred in one of Turkey's popular winter tourism destinations, continues to deepen.

Within the scope of the investigation, 6 public prosecutors, 4 chief inspectors, and a 7-person expert committee have been assigned. Bolu Deputy Mayor Sedat Gülener is also among the 14 people detained as part of the investigation.

According to the findings obtained so far, the fire started in the kitchen area. The first intervention to the flames took place 1 hour and 15 minutes after the report was made. The fire lasted for a total of 11 hours.

The preliminary expert report stated that the fire escape inside the building acted as a chimney after the fire started, and the gas released from the flames was carried to the upper floors via the staircase.

Again, according to the information obtained so far, the majority of those who lost their lives in the fire died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the flames.

The preliminary expert report stated that the number of people who lost their lives by jumping out of windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames was also quite high.