The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) has approved the establishment of a Parliamentary Research Commission to investigate the tragic hotel fire in Bolu Kartalkaya, which claimed the lives of 78 people on January 21.

The fire, which devastated the Grand Kartal Hotel in the popular ski resort of Bolu Kartalkaya, has left the nation mourning and seeking accountability. The commission will examine the causes of the disaster, identify any lapses in safety measures, and evaluate the responsibilities of those involved.

Authorities have arrested 19 individuals in connection with the fire, including prominent figures such as Halit Ergül, the owner of the Grand Kartal Hotel, and Emir Aras, the company's general manager. Others arrested include Zeki Yılmaz, the hotel manager; Sedat Gülener, Bolu’s Deputy Mayor; Kenan Coşkun, the Acting Fire Chief; Ahmet Demir, the General Manager of Gazelle Hotel; and firefighter İrfan Acar.

The Parliamentary Research Commission is expected to investigate the fire's root causes, assess the effectiveness of fire safety protocols, and provide recommendations to prevent similar tragedies. The establishment of the commission underscores the importance of ensuring justice for the victims and improving fire safety standards nationwide.

The Bolu Kartalkaya fire marks one of the deadliest disasters in recent Turkish history, prompting calls for stricter oversight in hospitality safety standards and fire prevention measures. (ILKHA)