In a recent incident that has shaken Turkey, the mayor of Bolu province, Tanju Özcan, has strongly rebutted accusations following a devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the ski resort of Kartalkaya. The tragic event resulted in the loss of 76 lives, including many children. Mayor Özcan addressed the public through social media platform X, stating that claims against him were unfounded and amounted to "lies and slander." He announced his intention to present facts during a live broadcast on Halk TV, urging people to form opinions based on informed knowledge.

The disaster occurred under circumstances that have raised numerous questions. Eyewitness accounts suggest that fire alarms failed to activate promptly, and some survivors reported delays in the arrival of emergency services. These issues have fueled public criticism and suspicion regarding the preparedness and response measures. Eleven individuals, including the deputy head of the municipality’s fire department and the hotel owner, have been taken into custody for questioning.

Mayor Özcan, who belongs to the opposition party, has faced intense scrutiny. However, he remains steadfast in defending his actions and decisions leading up to and following the tragedy. The governor of Bolu, Abdulaziz Aydin, acknowledged that harsh weather conditions and the remote location of the resort contributed to delays in firefighting efforts. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which is believed to have originated in the hotel's restaurant.

The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the immediate victims, touching the hearts of many across Turkey. Survivors and families of the deceased continue to grapple with the aftermath, while officials work diligently to uncover the full scope of what went wrong. As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that transparency and accountability will be crucial in addressing the concerns of the public and preventing future disasters.