Turkey: Jail Terms Sought in Ski Resort Fire Tragedy
Turkish prosecutors are demanding significant prison sentences for 32 suspects linked to the deadly fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel, a luxury ski resort in northern Turkey. The January blaze claimed the lives of 78 people.
Indictment Details
The indictment points to a series of safety failures as major contributing factors to the disaster. Prosecutors in Bolu are seeking sentences of up to 1,998 years for 13 suspects, including key hotel personnel and local officials, on charges of "killing with possible intent."
An additional 19 individuals, comprising hotel staff and external maintenance experts, may face imprisonment for up to 22 years and six months for "causing death and injuries through conscious negligence."
Fire Origin and Contributing Factors
Reports indicate the fire originated from a faulty electric grill plate in the kitchen, which ignited a gas supply hose. Contributing to the tragedy was the absence of an audible warning system, an inadequate emergency action plan, and an inadequately trained hotel staff.
Guests who survived the inferno recounted the lack of alarms, fire doors, and safe evacuation routes.