ANKARA, Turkey — A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday at the Grand Kartal hotel, located in a renowned ski resort in northwestern Turkey, leading to the tragic loss of at least 76 lives. Some guests perished while attempting to escape by jumping from the building as the flames engulfed it. The incident occurred during the school holiday season, contributing to the high number of guests in the hotel at the time, which officials say totaled 238. At least 51 individuals were reported injured, and Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu indicated that one of those injured is in critical condition.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed profound sorrow at the tragedy, stating, “Our hearts are broken. We are in mourning.” He reassured the public that justice would be pursued for those accountable. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos, with guests on higher floors screaming and attempting to escape using sheets and blankets. A hotel guest, Atakan Yelkovan, conveyed the panic on the upper levels and confirmed that some individuals attempted to leap from the floors above to avoid the flames.
As the investigation into the fire progresses, authorities have identified 45 of the deceased, with work continuing to confirm the identities of the remaining victims. Yerlikaya noted the ongoing search efforts and mentioned that emergency response teams will continue their work in the days following the incident.
The fire was reported at approximately 3:27 a.m., with firefighting efforts commencing around 4:15 a.m. Investigators have been appointed, and at least nine individuals, including the hotel’s owner, have been detained. The blaze is suspected to have originated from the hotel’s restaurant area. Tragically, victims included Nedim Turkmen, a respected columnist, along with his family.
In light of the catastrophe, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a day of national mourning. Flags at governmental and diplomatic establishments will be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims. Rescue efforts faced significant challenges; the hotel’s design and its wooden exterior may have contributed to the swift spread of the flames. Witnesses reported that the fire alarm did not activate, which heightened the danger for those inside the building.
Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor, recounted that he assisted approximately 20 guests to safety after waking up to the fire’s chaos. Screams and distress were prevalent among guests, and many struggled to locate emergency exits due to heavy smoke. Reports indicated that the firefighting teams faced delays arriving at the scene, with official statements alleging it was up to an hour before help arrived.
In the aftermath, other nearby hotels were evacuated as a precaution, and guests were relocated to alternative accommodations around Bolu. On a sad note, a separate incident involving a gas explosion occurred at another hotel in a central ski resort, resulting in four injuries, including one individual with second-degree burns.
Erdogan has promised a thorough investigation and accountability for the tragedy, pledging that all necessary measures will be implemented to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the disaster. The community mourns deeply for those lost and affected by this tragic event.
