At least 76 people killed in hotel fire at ski resort in Turkey
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A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort killed at least 76 people, injured 51, and left many others trapped, with authorities investigating the cause and vowing justice for the victims.
At least 76 people were killed and dozens more injured in a devastating fire that broke out early Tuesday morning at the Grand Kartal Hotel, located in the popular ski resort area of Kartalkaya, in northwestern Turkey. The fire swept through the 12-story hotel, which was packed with guests for a school holiday during Turkey’s winter break, which began just days before. The tragic incident, which occurred in the Koroglu Mountains of Bolu province, is being considered one of the deadliest hotel fires in recent memory.
According to officials, at least two people died after jumping from the building in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that a total of 76 people had lost their lives in the fire, and 51 others were injured. The injured included some in critical condition, though Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that 17 others had been treated and released. While emergency teams worked swiftly to secure the area, the authorities said that at least one of the injured remained in serious condition.
The fire reportedly started around 3:27 a.m., and fire services began responding at approximately 4:15 a.m. The timing of the blaze coincided with the start of the two-week winter break for schools, when ski resorts in the region tend to be fully booked. As a result, the hotel was packed with tourists, many of whom were families with children.
In a heart-wrenching account, Atakan Yelkovan, a guest who had been staying on the third floor of the hotel, described the chaos that unfolded as guests on the upper floors desperately tried to escape. “People on the upper floors were screaming. They hung down sheets. Some tried to jump,” he told the IHA news agency. Some guests attempted to scale down the sides of the building by tying sheets and blankets together in a bid to escape the smoke and flames.
Officials have confirmed that 45 of the 76 victims have been identified, and their families have already been informed. However, the authorities are still working to identify the remaining victims. Yerlikaya assured the public that search operations would continue, and efforts to identify the bodies were ongoing. “Forty-five bodies were delivered to their families. We could not immediately identify the others,” Yerlikaya said. The authorities announced that they would conduct a final search for victims on Wednesday.
The Grand Kartal Hotel had 238 registered guests at the time of the fire, with many reportedly staying in rooms on the upper floors. Firefighters and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but the blaze had already caused significant damage by the time they got there. Rescue teams worked through the night, searching for survivors, while others focused on securing the building and trying to prevent further injury.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Minister Yerlikaya expressed his condolences for the lives lost and vowed that those responsible for the tragedy would face justice. “Our hearts are broken. We are in mourning. But you should know that whoever is responsible for causing this pain will not escape justice,” he told reporters gathered outside the hotel.
The tragic fire has sent shockwaves through Turkey, as this popular tourist destination is usually known for its peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, especially during the winter holidays. The resort town of Kartalkaya has long been a favorite for both domestic and international tourists seeking a winter getaway. Now, the fire will be remembered as one of the darkest moments in the region’s history.
As authorities continue their investigation, the loss of life and the devastation felt by the families of the victims weigh heavily on the entire nation. The incident has sparked national outrage, with many demanding accountability and swift justice for those responsible for the tragedy. Meanwhile, support for the families of the victims and injured has poured in from across the country, with government officials promising to provide assistance and resources to help those affected by the disaster.
The heartbreaking fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel has not only taken a toll on the immediate victims and their families but also on the local community and the broader Turkish population. With the investigation still ongoing, the focus now is on uncovering the cause of the blaze and ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again in the future.
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