A tragic fire broke out early Tuesday morning at a 12-story hotel in Kartalkaya, a popular ski resort in northwestern Turkey, resulting in the loss of at least 76 lives, including schoolchildren on winter break. The blaze also left 51 people injured, with some in critical condition, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
The fire started in the restaurant area of the Grand Kartal Hotel, located in the Koroglu Mountains, approximately 300 kilometers east of Istanbul. The incident occurred around 3:27 a.m., and while many guests tried to escape, at least two people died after jumping from the building in desperation.
Read more: Turkish Ski Resort Fire Claims 66 Lives, Injures 51
Interior Minister Yerlikaya expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “Our hearts are broken. We are in mourning,” and promised that those responsible would be held accountable.
Atakan Yelkovan, a guest on the third floor, described the chaotic evacuation efforts, with people on higher floors shouting for help and attempting to climb down using sheets. Witnesses reported that thick smoke and a malfunctioning fire alarm system further complicated escape efforts.
The fire department arrived promptly around 4:15 a.m., but the hotel’s chalet-style wooden cladding caused the fire to spread quickly. Additionally, the building’s location on a cliffside hindered firefighting efforts, as the rear of the hotel was inaccessible to fire trucks.
Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu confirmed that while some of the injured remain in critical condition, 17 have been treated and released. Emergency crews continue to search for victims, and authorities have identified 45 of the deceased. The hotel was hosting 238 registered guests at the time of the fire, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
To determine the cause of the fire, six prosecutors have been assigned, and nine people, including the hotel’s owner, have been detained for questioning. Initial findings suggest the fire began in the restaurant section.
In response to the tragedy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Wednesday a day of national mourning, ordering flags at government buildings to be flown at half-staff. “We received very sad news from Bolu, Kartalkaya,” Erdogan said, vowing that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure justice for the victims.
