Day Fire Death Count Rose Through Winter Snow

The Kartalkaya ski resort death toll climbed from 76 to 79 as search operations continued through morning snowfall. National flags remained at half-mast while families identified victims and held funerals attended by President Erdogan.

Investigations intensified by afternoon with the detention of Bolu's Deputy Mayor and Acting Fire Chief. An inspection report from 19 days before the tragedy surfaced, while controversy emerged over AFAD rescue workers being charged fees during operations.

The day saw two parallel political developments: DEM Party's second four-hour visit to İmralı prison, and the National Security Council updating the classified "Red Book" policy document. Foreign Minister Fidan held first contact with the new US administration, while municipalities faced continued pressure with new corruption investigations targeting Maltepe's former mayor.