A devastating fire broke out in a hotel at a popular ski resort in northwestern Türkiye early Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of 66 people and leaving 51 others injured. According to authorities, the tragedy unfolded at around 3:30 a.m. in the Grand Kartal Hotel at Kartalkaya Resort, located in the Bolu province.
A Morning of Chaos and Loss
Governor Abdulaziz Aydin revealed that two of the victims died after jumping from the building in a panic. At the time of the incident, the hotel was hosting 234 guests, most of whom were there to enjoy their school semester break. Tragically, many of these guests faced unimaginable chaos as the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the building in smoke and flames.
Türkiye’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, who inspected the site, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating: “This disaster has shaken us profoundly. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.” Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu added that at least one of the injured is in critical condition.
Panic and Heroic Efforts
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the chaos that unfolded during the fire. Some guests tried to escape by using sheets and blankets to climb down from their rooms. Tragically, these desperate attempts resulted in fatalities, including the two individuals who jumped to their deaths.
Ski instructor Nekmi Kepsetutan, who was staying at the hotel, recounted his harrowing experience. He woke up to find the building engulfed in smoke. Rushing outside, he managed to help about 20 people escape. He described the scene: “The hotel was filled with thick smoke, making it incredibly difficult to find a way out.”
Critical Safety Failures
One of the most shocking aspects of the tragedy was the failure of the hotel’s fire safety system. Many survivors reported that no fire alarm went off, leaving guests unaware of the danger until it was too late.
Atakan Yelkoven, a guest staying on the third floor, told a news agency: “My wife smelled something burning, and that’s how we realized something was wrong. We ran out immediately, but no fire alarm ever sounded.”
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to examine whether negligence played a role in this horrific incident.
A Popular Resort in Flames
The Kartalkaya ski resort, situated approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Istanbul in the scenic Köroğlu mountains, is a favorite winter destination for both locals and international tourists. Known for its picturesque slopes and luxury accommodations, the resort was bustling with visitors during the school holiday season.
In the wake of the fire, other nearby hotels were evacuated as a precautionary measure. While the flames were eventually brought under control by firefighters, the damage—both human and material—was extensive.
A Community in Mourning
This tragic incident has left the local community and the nation in shock. Families of the victims, as well as the survivors, are grappling with the enormity of their loss. For many, what was supposed to be a joyful vacation turned into a nightmare they will never forget.
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the incident, including why the hotel’s fire alarm system failed and whether it complied with safety regulations. Meanwhile, support systems have been mobilized to provide medical care and counseling for the survivors and families of the victims.
Conclusion
The fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel serves as a somber reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures, especially in crowded public spaces. As Türkiye mourns this tragedy, questions remain about how such a catastrophic failure of safety systems could occur.
While the scars of this disaster will linger, the bravery of individuals like Nekmi Kepsetutan, who risked their own lives to save others, shines as a beacon of hope amidst the sorrow.
