Turkey mourns 76 fire victims, detains 9 over negligence allegations

Turkey is in mourning following a devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel that claimed 76 lives, raising serious concerns about fire safety protocols. As families prepare to bury their loved ones, allegations of negligence have emerged, prompting the detention of nine individuals, including the hotel owner. The fire broke out around 3:30 am during peak season, with 238 guests in the hotel, many of whom attempted to escape through windows using bedsheets. Eyewitness accounts reveal horrifying scenes, including children trapped and desperately calling for help. Despite the tragedy, the hotel has expressed sorrow and is cooperating with ongoing investigations. Public anger is palpable, with calls for accountability surrounding the incident, which authorities attribute to negligence rather than the fire itself.