Turkish Court Sentences 11 to Life for Ski Resort Fire
A recent tragedy at a ski resort in Turkey has led to harsh penalties for those held responsible for a deadly fire. On November 1, 2025, a Turkish court sentenced 11 individuals to life imprisonment for their roles in the blaze that resulted in the deaths of 78 people, including 34 children. The incident took place at the Grand Kartal Hotel, located in the Kartalkaya ski resort in the Bolu mountains.
Details of the Fire Incident
The catastrophic fire broke out overnight on January 21, 2025, swiftly consuming the 12-story hotel. At the time, 238 guests were staying at the facility, many of whom were families enjoying the winter holidays. As smoke filled the corridors, panic ensued, prompting guests to jump from windows to escape the flames.
Key Sentences and Defendants
Among those sentenced were Halit Ergul, the hotel’s owner, his wife Emine Ergul, and their daughters, Elif Aras and Ceyda Hacibekiroglu. They were part of the hotel’s management team and were found culpable in the disaster.
- Halit Ergul – Owner of Grand Kartal Hotel
- Emine Ergul – Management Team
- Elif Aras – Management Team
- Ceyda Hacibekiroglu – Management Team
- Emir Aras – Hotel General Manager
- Sedat Gulener – Deputy Mayor of Bolu
- Ahmet Demir – Director of another hotel
Additionally, 20 other defendants, currently in pre-trial detention, are awaiting their turn in court, bringing the total number of defendants to 32.
Nationwide Response and Investigations
The fire triggered widespread outrage across Turkey. Survivors reported that there were no fire alarms and that they had to navigate through smoke-filled hallways in pitch darkness. In response, authorities arrested nine individuals connected to the fire and appointed six prosecutors to spearhead the investigation.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized that those responsible would face justice. In a show of solidarity, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning and attended a funeral for the victims the day after the blaze.
Conclusion
This tragic event has reignited discussions about hotel safety standards and emergency protocols in Turkey. As investigations continue, the affected families are seeking justice in the aftermath of this heartbreaking disaster.
