top of page

The Tragedy in Kartalkaya Ski Resort: A Reflection on Leadership, Responsibility, and the Cost of Negligence

Writer's picture: Merve Kagitci HokampMerve Kagitci Hokamp

Leadrise Coaching, Kartalkaya Ski Resort Fire, Negligence in Leadership

On January 21, 2025, I woke up to the devastating news of a fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a cherished ski resort in Turkey’s Bolu province. The tragedy claimed at least 79 lives and left over 50 others injured. The fire, which started in the restaurant area on the fourth floor, spread rapidly throughout the building. The hotel was at full capacity, filled with families and children eager to enjoy ski season and school holidays. Instead, their joy turned to unimaginable sorrow—the cries of parents searching for their children after sending them off to ski camp, entire families lost, lives extinguished in an instant. The heartbreak is almost too much to comprehend.


Kartalkaya fire

Survivors recounted harrowing stories: the absence of fire alarms, sprinklers that didn’t work, and locked or inaccessible fire escapes that forced many to jump from windows or stumble through smoke-filled hallways. The hotel’s wooden exterior cladding only worsened the fire’s rapid spread. Emergency responders, hindered by the resort’s remote location and poor weather, arrived approximately 45 minutes after the fire was reported—too late for far too many.


What struck me most—and filled me with anger—was the locked fire escape door. It wasn’t jammed or broken; it was locked intentionally, because it would occasionally slam shut in high winds, irritating the hotel management. Think about that: a vital escape route, intentionally made inaccessible, costing lives because it was deemed an inconvenience. In this day and age, we’re still grappling with preventable tragedies rooted in negligence, complacency, and a staggering disregard for human safety.


In the aftermath, 11 individuals, including hotel management and local officials, have been detained as investigations into potential safety violations and gross negligence continue.


This is more than a failure of systems—it’s a failure of leadership at every level. It’s a sobering reminder of what happens when priorities are misplaced, when convenience outweighs caution, and when the value of human life is treated as secondary. Let this tragedy stand as a call to action for better leadership, stricter accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all.


Leadership and Accountability: Where Do We Go from Here?


When I think about this tragedy, I can’t help but reflect on the role of leadership, not just in business but in society as a whole. Leadership is not a title; it’s a responsibility—a commitment to putting others first. In this case, leadership failed at every level:


  • The hotel management chose convenience over safety.

  • The local officials who approved safety inspections turned a blind eye to glaring hazards.

  • The national leadership fostered an environment where cutting corners and neglecting accountability seem to have become the norm.


Leadership isn’t about avoiding blame; it’s about anticipating risks, addressing vulnerabilities, and taking decisive action to prevent harm. In this instance, leadership faltered at every turn, and the cost was unbearable.


What Should We Demand as Citizens of the World?


Kartalkaya fire

As citizens, we must ask ourselves:


What are we willing to tolerate?


The world is watching Turkey grieve, but this isn’t just about one country. Negligence, complacency, and poor leadership are global issues.


In the 21st century, we shouldn’t have to ask for basic safety measures like fire alarms that work or escape routes that are accessible. These are not luxuries—they are non-negotiables.

Governments and businesses alike need to understand that human lives are not just numbers. They are not margins to be squeezed or statistics to be manipulated. Leadership must mean prioritizing people, not profits.


As someone who coaches leaders and executives, I often talk about the difference between short-term wins and long-term impact. Cutting costs to avoid a bit of wind noise may save a few dollars in the moment, but at what cost?


Leaders must ask themselves not just “Can we get away with this?” but “What happens if we fail?”


Leadership means anticipating the worst-case scenarios and having the courage to prepare for them—even when it’s inconvenient.


Lessons for Leadership in Business and Beyond


The Kartalkaya tragedy holds profound lessons for leaders everywhere. Whether you’re running a hotel, leading a team, or managing a global corporation, there are some universal truths to take away:


  1. Safety and Well-being Are Non-Negotiable.Your people—your team, your customers, your community—deserve to feel safe and valued. This is not a corner you can cut.


  2. Negligence Is a Choice.Failing to act is not just incompetence; it’s a decision. Leadership requires vigilance and accountability.


  3. Trust Is Earned Through Action.Customers, employees, and citizens trust leaders who prioritize their well-being. Once that trust is broken, it’s almost impossible to rebuild.


  4. The Cost of Complacency Is Catastrophic.Convenience and short-term gains can never outweigh the long-term cost of lives lost, reputations destroyed, and communities shattered.


Moving Forward


As I think about the parents who sent their children off to ski camp that day, the couples who escaped the city for a relaxing weekend, and the hotel staff who stayed to help but never made it out, I feel an overwhelming mix of sadness and anger. Yet, this tragedy also serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of leadership—not just in moments of crisis but in the quieter, less visible moments when decisions are made.


Leadership is not just about reacting to emergencies; it’s about anticipating risks, making thoughtful choices, and creating a foundation of safety, trust, and accountability. It’s in these quiet decisions—like whether a fire escape door remains unlocked or whether safety protocols are rigorously enforced—that the outcomes of lives are often decided long before a crisis occurs.


We must hold leadership to a higher standard—not just in Turkey, but globally. Leadership isn’t reserved for CEOs, government officials, or those in authority. Each of us has the power to make decisions that prioritize humanity, dignity, and life. Whether in our personal lives, workplaces, or communities, these decisions add up to create the environments we live in.


The fire in Kartalkaya is a tragic reminder of what happens when leadership fails. But it should also be a wake-up call for all of us—to expect more, to demand accountability, and to create a culture of leadership that values foresight, responsibility, and compassion.


 

Hi! I'm Merve. 👋 I help leaders build high performing teams, amplify their business impact, and advance their careers.


Here are five ways you can connect with me:


  1. Book a 1:1 Coaching Session: Tailored to your individual goals, I offer in-depth guidance, a focused strategy, and results-oriented accountability to help you navigate your professional and personal challenges for meaningful progress.


  2. Join Signature Leadership Programs: Designed for corporate leaders and business owners at all stages of the leadership journey, these programs blend 1:1 coaching with group workshops and training, equipping you to grow your career, earnings, and business success.


  3. Subscribe to My FREE Monthly Newsletter: Stay updated with the latest in leadership and business with insights and musings delivered directly to your inbox.


  4. Access FREE Worksheets for Leaders: Visit my website to access and download worksheets and workbooks that provide practical exercises for enhancing self-awareness, self-reflection, and fostering positive change in your leadership and team dynamics.


  5. Follow me on LinkedIn: Connect with me on LinkedIn for daily updates, thought-provoking articles, and a community of like-minded professionals committed to continuous growth and leadership excellence. Join the conversation and stay inspired on your leadership journey.

Let's Talk

I'd love to hear from you!

To get in touch, simply fill out the contact form, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media!

Linkedin icon
Email icon
Facebook icon

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you within 1 business day :)

Copyright @ Leadrise Coaching 2024 All Rights Reserved 

Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions

bottom of page