KARTALKAYA:
A devastating fire erupted early Tuesday morning at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a popular ski resort in northern Turkey, killing at least 76 people. The hotel was packed with guests, including families, enjoying the winter holidays when the blaze broke out around 3:30 am (0030 GMT). Thick smoke filled the air, causing panic among the guests.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the death toll had risen to 76, with 52 victims identified so far. Forensic teams continued to work on identifying the remaining victims. Many of the bodies had already been returned to their families.
Eyewitnesses and survivors described frantic scenes as people tried to escape the flames. Some jumped from windows, while others fashioned makeshift ropes from bedsheets to descend. “People on the upper floors were screaming, and some tried to jump,” said Atakan Yelkovan, a survivor who managed to escape with his wife from the third floor.
A hotel worker recalled seeing desperate guests, including a father with a baby, asking for help to throw their child to safety. Sadly, two women jumped from the top floor, dying in the fall.
The fire occurred during the peak season for the hotel, which was almost at full capacity with 238 guests. Health officials reported 51 injured, with 34 still hospitalized, one in critical condition.
Authorities have arrested nine people in connection with the fire, including the hotel’s owner, and investigations into the cause, negligence, and responsibility are ongoing. The fire is believed to have started in the hotel restaurant and spread rapidly through the wooden-clad building.
Among the victims was a journalist from the Sozcu daily, who died alongside his wife and two children. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, declaring a national day of mourning and pledging that those responsible would be held accountable.
