A heartbreaking incident has shaken Turkey’s skiing community after a fire engulfed a closed ski resort hotel, claiming the lives of Olympic skier Berkin Usta and his father, Yahya Usta.
The blaze erupted at the Kervansaray Hotel in Uludag, Bursa province, early Thursday morning, leaving the father and son unable to escape.
Berkin, 25, had represented Turkey in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and was the founder of the Skicraft team.
His father, Yahya, was a respected figure in the sport, serving as the president of the Turkish Ski and Snowboard Teachers Association.
A Final Message Before Tragedy Struck
Just hours before the tragic event, Berkin shared a peaceful moment with his followers, posting a video of a warm fire on his Instagram Stories.
What seemed like a simple, comforting scene now stands as his final message to the world.
Following the devastating news, an outpouring of grief and tributes flooded social media, with friends, athletes, and officials expressing their sorrow.
Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak shared his condolences, stating, “I learned with deep sorrow that our national athlete Berkin Usta and his father Yahya Usta lost their lives in the fire that broke out in the hotel in Uludag.”
Investigation Underway as Hotel’s Status Raises Questions
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which comes just two months after another deadly blaze at a ski resort in northwestern Turkey that claimed 79 lives.
The Kervansaray Hotel had been closed to guests since early January after its accommodation permit was revoked, yet 12 staff members were present when the fire broke out around 5:30 a.m.
Several individuals were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
According to Bursa Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, the fire started in the hotel’s cafeteria before quickly spreading through the six-story building.
Despite the efforts of firefighters, who managed to contain the blaze within two hours, the upper floors were completely gutted.
A Community in Mourning
While the full details of what led to the fire are still under investigation, the loss of Berkin and Yahya Usta has deeply impacted the Turkish sports community.
Their contributions to skiing in Turkey will not be forgotten, and their tragic passing has left many in mourning.
Authorities continue to assess the damage and determine the circumstances that led to the devastating blaze, as questions arise about safety measures in abandoned resort buildings.