Story by Vivian Bangamu
Over 70 people died after a fire broke out at a hotel in Türkiye’s Kartalkaya Ski Resort in North Western Bolu Province Tuesday.
Turkey Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya said authorities have since identified 52 of the deceased, most of them believed to be children.
According to the Turkish Interior Ministry, the 12-storey wooden hotel had 238 guests.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire originated in the restaurant area on the fourth floor before engulfing the upper levels.
Reports say nine people have been arrested in connection with the incident, including the hotel owner.
Health Minister, Kemal Memisoglu said one of the 51 people wounded in the fire is in intensive care while 17 others have been discharged, with rescue operations having been concluded.
Meanwhile, Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared this Wednesday a national day of mourning.
