the death toll from the fire that broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort in northwestern Turkey has risen to 76, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Initially, the fire resulted in 66 deaths and 51 injuries.

The minister explained that the fire spread rapidly due to the wooden exterior cladding of the hotel, which worsened the situation. Despite the fire being brought under control, flames and smoke engulfed large parts of the building.

As part of the investigation, Turkish authorities have arrested four suspects, including the hotel owner.

Additionally, Turkish Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced the start of a criminal investigation, assigning six public prosecutors to the case and forming a joint committee to look into the circumstances of the incident.