Turkish Assembly Commission Hears Bolu Mayor Özcan: Accountability Lies Elsewhere
Inquiry into Parliamentary Kartalkaya Ski Center Hotel Fire Continues
The Parliamentary Commission investigating the recent fire at the Kartalkaya Ski Center hotel convened this week, led by AK Party Erzurum Deputy Selami Altınok. During the meeting, Altınok expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and emphasized the commission’s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future. He requested an extension of one month to further examine necessary safety measures.
Altınok announced that upcoming sessions would include testimonies from the Governor of Bolu and representatives from two non-governmental organizations. He highlighted the importance of engaging with experts and outlined plans for additional meetings to adequately address the situation.
It is crucial to note that Altınok clarified the commission’s role is investigative, not judicial, stating, "This is a research commission… We are not here to assign guilt." Opposition CHP Deputy Ednan Arslan called for the attendance of ministers and the Bolu Governor, stressing that without their presence, the commission’s findings would lack authenticity.
Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan made a presentation, demonstrating his support for the commission’s work. He pointed out that the hotel is located in the Seben district of Bolu and is subject to local regulations. Özcan provided historical context, noting that the hotel, originally approved for 3,224 square meters, had undergone numerous renovations and now spans approximately 16,300 square meters.
He detailed that the Bolu Municipality had not issued licenses for the hotel’s construction or renovations, placing the responsibility for compliance and safety checks on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and related agencies. Özcan cited a legal framework that outlines the ministry’s authority in enforcing safety regulations, suggesting that the Ministry should bear significant responsibility for the incident.
In response to questions about fire safety inspections, Özcan stated that checks are conducted annually by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and confirmed that an inspection took place just a month prior to the fire. However, he underlined that the hotel is classified as an existing building, which has been granted additional time for compliance with fire safety laws.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for accountability, explaining that while multiple parties may share responsibility, the hotel owner ultimately bears the most significant burden due to regulatory oversight failures.
As the investigation unfolds, the commission is set to conduct further discussions, with the aim of shedding light on the events leading to the tragic fire. The inquiry not only seeks to provide answers to the affected families but also aims to enforce stricter regulations to avert future disasters.
The proceedings will continue as the commission calls upon various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collective accountability in ensuring public safety.
