Thirty-two individuals went on trial in Turkey on Monday regarding a fire that erupted at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a northern mountain resort, in January.

The tragic event resulted in the deaths of 78 people, among them 36 children, and left over 130 injured.

The 12-story building was completely destroyed.

Thirteen defendants, including hotel officials, city council members, and fire department employees, face charges that could lead to up to 1,998 years in prison each for manslaughter with possible intent to kill.

Survivors and experts have criticized the hotel's ineffective fire alarm system.

According to the indictment, numerous safety breaches were identified just one month before the fire but were disregarded by the hotel management due to cost concerns.

Victims' families have accused authorities of negligence and evidence concealment, further heightening tensions surrounding the trial.

The Bolu High Criminal Court is overseeing the case, given the large number of defendants and plaintiffs involved, with opposition leader Ozgur Ozel expected to attend.

The trial is projected to last two weeks.