Turkish authorities have arrested 19 individuals in connection with the deadly fire at a ski resort hotel that claimed the lives of 78 people, Anadolu state news agency reported on Monday.

Among those detained are the deputy mayor of the town overseeing the Kartalkaya resort, a deputy fire chief, and the head of another hotel owned by the same proprietor.

The investigation into the January 21 fire is concentrating on the hotel management and the response of emergency services and local authorities in Bolu.

Previously, the owner of the Grand Karta hotel, his son-in-law, the chief electrician, and the head chef were also arrested.

Survivors and experts have pointed to the lack of critical safety features, including fire alarms, sprinklers, functional smoke detectors, and adequate fire escape routes in the 12-storey building overlooking the ski slopes.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 238 people were staying at the Grand Karta hotel when the devastating fire broke out in the middle of the night.

Channelstv