- One fatality and three hospitalizations reported in pre-dawn fire
- Premises closed since January Kartal Hotel disaster killed 79
- 28 individuals now detained across both fire investigations
A devastating early morning fire at the shuttered Kervansaray Hotel in Bursa’s Uludag region has reignited debates about Turkey’s hospitality safety standards. Flames consumed the six-story structure within hours, marking the second major ski resort disaster this winter. Authorities confirmed the building had been vacant since failing post-Kartal inspections, though staff present during ignition suffered smoke-related injuries.
Industry analysts highlight systemic failures in Turkey’s $12B tourism sector. Despite 2023 safety code overhauls, enforcement remains inconsistent – particularly in seasonal properties. Many resorts prioritize cosmetic upgrades over critical infrastructure,notes Istanbul Safety Commission chair Demir Kaya. The 30-year-old Kervansaray hadn’t updated its 1990s electrical systems despite multiple warnings.
Regional comparisons reveal stark contrasts. While Bulgarian and Greek mountain resorts conduct bi-annual fire drills, Turkish counterparts average 18 months between inspections. The Mediterranean Hoteliers Association reports only 41% of members employ certified safety officers, versus 89% in EU alpine destinations. This disparity contributed to Turkey’s 22% rise in hospitality insurance claims since 2020.
Prosecutors are scrutinizing both fires’ cafeteria origins. Anadolu Agency confirms investigators discovered unpermitted kitchen renovations at Kervansaray, including flammable insulation banned under 2022 regulations. Similar code violations caused the Kartal Hotel’s rapid flame spread, where emergency exits were blocked by storage units.
Tourism Minister Aydin Erdemir announced emergency audits for all ski resorts, pledging to shutter non-compliant properties. However, opposition leaders demand accountability for inspection lapses. Closed hotels shouldn’t have active staff or operational kitchens,argues CHP deputy Gülizar Biçer. This points to illegal repurposing of failed businesses.
With peak ski season approaching, the crisis threatens Turkey’s goal of 60M annual tourists. German travel giant TUI has already suspended 12 Uludag packages pending safety reviews. Local operators fear copycat cancellations could erase $300M in winter revenue.