Turkey Sentences 11 to Life in Prison for Negligence in Hotel Fire That Killed 78

2 days ago7 min read

An Turkish court has sentenced eleven people to life imprisonment for their criminal negligence in the Grand Karta Hotel fire, a preventable disaster that killed 78 people and injured 133 others during a winter school break. The blaze at the Kartalkaya ski resort on January 21st was fueled by a series of gross safety failures, including faulty wiring, non-functional smoke alarms and sprinklers, and blocked emergency exits due to illegal construction.Prosecutors successfully argued that the hotel's owners, senior managers, and the officials who provided its safety certifications were aware of the lethal risks but took no action, leading to their conviction for 'causing death by conscious negligence. ' The verdict has triggered widespread political fallout, with opposition figures demanding ministerial resignations and a complete overhaul of safety enforcement, prompting the government to announce a new 'zero-tolerance' audit campaign.For the victims' families, many of whom lost children, the sentences provide a measure of justice for a man-made tragedy. The case is now an international benchmark, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of regulatory failure and serving as a stark warning to the global hospitality industry.

#featured

#Turkey

#hotel fire

#fatal blaze

#court verdict

#life sentences

#Kartalkaya

#ski resort

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