Tragic Fire at Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Resort Hotel Claims 66 Lives, Injures 32 Others

A devastating fire broke out at the Grand Kartal hotel in a ski resort located in northwestern Turkey, resulting in the deaths of 66 individuals and injuring 32 more, as reported by the interior minister. The incident occurred in the early hours, causing frantic guests to seek escape through various means, including using ropes and attempting to jump to safety.

Tragic Fire Claims Lives at Turkish Ski Resort Hotel

The deadly fire at the Grand Kartal hotel has left a profound impact on the victims and their families. The Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared the heartbreaking news, stating, "Our pain is great," and confirmed the loss of 66 lives and the injuries sustained by 32 individuals. Other government officials also arrived at the disaster-stricken area to assess the situation.

Impact of the Fire

The fire broke out around 3:27 am, engulfing the 12-story hotel, which was reportedly fully booked at the time with approximately 230 guests present. The unfortunate incident has sparked widespread shock and disbelief, with the Turkish authorities ensuring that those affected by the tragedy were promptly relocated to nearby hotels.

Detention of Suspects

In the aftermath of the tragic event, four individuals, including the hotel owner, were taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation, as disclosed by Turkey's Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc. The prompt action by authorities demonstrates their commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the fire.

A survivor, who managed to escape the flames, lamented the absence of safety measures within the hotel, revealing that no alarms were triggered when the fire broke out. Complaints regarding the lack of basic safety features, including fire stairs and smoke detectors, underscore the need for a thorough evaluation of fire safety protocols in such establishments.

Government's Response

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences and sympathy for the victims and their families. He extended his prayers for the victims and emphasized the need for a swift recovery for those affected by the distressing incident. The President's acknowledgment of the importance of fire safety measures highlights the government's commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future.