Hotel fire claims life of Turkish skier Berkin Usta at 24

Turkish Olympic skier Berkin Usta, 24, and his father, Yahya Usta, have died in a fire. The fire occurred at the Kervansaray Hotel in Uludağ, Bursa.

The blaze broke out early on March 27, 2025. Several others were injured and hospitalized due to smoke inhalation.

Reports indicate the fire started in the hotel’s cafeteria around 5:30 a.m. The Kervansaray Hotel had its accommodation permit revoked in January. Despite this, 12 staff members were inside when the fire erupted.

Emergency responders fought the flames and evacuated trapped guests. Sadly, Berkin and his father could not be saved.

Authorities have detained the hotel manager. An investigation into the fire's circumstances has begun.

Berkin Usta was a talented alpine skier. He represented Turkey at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. His dedication made him a rising star in Turkey’s winter sports scene.

Yahya Usta was influential in skiing as president of the Turkish Ski and Snowboard Teachers Association. He dedicated years to developing skiing in Turkey.

Their deaths have shocked the Turkish sports community. Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak expressed deep sorrow over this tragedy. He called it a huge loss for the nation’s skiing community.

This incident follows another tragic blaze at a Turkish winter resort last month that left 81 dead.