At Least 76 Killed in Hotel Fire at Turkey’s Ski Resort
A deadly fire broke out early Tuesday at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a popular ski resort in northwestern Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 76 people. The tragedy occurred during a school holiday, when hotels in the area are packed with vacationers. The fire, which started in the early hours, also injured at least 51 people, with some in serious condition.
The hotel, located in Bolu province’s Koroglu mountains, about 300 kilometers east of Istanbul, was housing 238 registered guests at the time of the fire. The blaze, which reportedly started around 3:27 a.m., engulfed the 12-story building. Firefighters began their response at 4:15 a.m., but the damage had already been severe.
Panic and Desperation as Flames Consumed the Hotel
Guests trapped on upper floors were in a state of panic as they attempted to escape the fire. Atakan Yelkovan, a hotel guest staying on the third floor, described the chaos, stating that some people tried to escape by climbing down sheets tied to balconies, while others jumped from the building in a desperate bid to escape the flames. At least two victims died after jumping.
“I heard screams from the upper floors,” said Yelkovan. “Some people hung sheets down, others tried to jump. It was terrifying.”
Death Toll and Search Efforts
As of now, 45 of the 76 victims have been identified, and efforts are underway to identify the remaining bodies. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that one of the injured is in serious condition, while others have been treated and released. The final search for victims is expected to continue on Wednesday.
Investigation Launched into the Cause of the Fire
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest the fire began in the hotel’s restaurant section. The government has appointed six prosecutors to lead the probe, and nine people have been detained, including the hotel owner. There are also reports that the hotel’s fire detection system failed during the blaze.
One witness, Yelkovan, shared that the alarm did not go off when his wife smelled smoke. This delay, along with the building’s wooden cladding, may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, according to some reports.
National Mourning and Support for Victims
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a day of national mourning for Wednesday, with flags at government buildings and Turkish diplomatic missions abroad to be lowered to half-staff. Erdogan expressed his sorrow over the incident and promised that the government would ensure those responsible would be held accountable.
“Our hearts are broken. We mourn for those lost in this tragedy,” said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, who also confirmed the ongoing investigation and search efforts.
Heroic Efforts Amidst the Tragedy
Some hotel staff and guests bravely assisted others in escaping the fire. Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor, described rushing out of the building after waking up to the fire, and helping 20 guests to safety. However, he expressed concern about several guests he couldn’t reach in time.
“The smoke was so thick. I couldn’t reach some of my students,” Kepcetutan said, hoping they had escaped safely.
Efforts to Contain the Fire
The hotel’s unique structure, with part of it built on the side of a cliff, made it difficult for firefighters to reach certain areas. Fire trucks and ambulances were dispatched to the site, and additional hotels at the resort were evacuated as a precaution. Around 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances were sent to the scene.
Tragic Coincidence: Another Hotel Explosion in Central Turkey
In a separate incident, a gas explosion occurred at a hotel in the Yildiz Mountain Winter Sports Center in Sivas province, central Turkey. Four people were injured, including two skiers and a ski instructor, with one receiving second-degree burns. This adds to the growing number of accidents at ski resorts in the country.
The Road Ahead
The Grand Kartal Hotel fire has left the country in shock, with the government vowing to uncover the full details of what caused the tragedy. As the search for victims continues and the investigation unfolds, the Turkish people stand united in mourning for the lives lost in this devastating disaster.
