A tragic fire at the Grand Kartal hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya ski resort claimed at least 76 lives and injured 51 others. The blaze, which erupted early Tuesday, spread quickly due to inadequate safety measures, including a lack of fire alarms. Eyewitnesses reported desperate scenes as guests attempted to escape, with some jumping from windows. Four individuals, including the hotel manager, have been arrested amid ongoing investigations into potential negligence. President Erdogan promised accountability for those responsible.
A Devastating Fire at a Turkish Ski Resort
In a heartbreaking incident, a fire at a hotel in a ski resort in central Turkey has resulted in the loss of at least 76 lives and left 51 individuals injured. The tragic event occurred overnight from Monday to Tuesday, with initial reports indicating 66 fatalities. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the hotel was lacking essential safety measures, such as a fire alarm system.
Details Surrounding the Incident
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the updated death toll on Tuesday evening, revealing that the blaze erupted at approximately 3:27 AM local time. At the time of the fire, the Grand Kartal, a twelve-story luxury hotel situated in Kartalkaya, was accommodating 238 guests. The hotel is located about 170 km east of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. “The fire has been brought under control, and cooling operations are currently underway,” the minister reported, following a site visit with other government officials.
Reports indicate that the fire originated on the upper floors and rapidly spread throughout the building, exacerbated by the wooden exterior cladding. Dramatic images captured by the media showed flames bursting from the upper windows and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Drone footage highlighted the extensive damage to the hotel’s roof and upper levels, which posed challenges for the 428 firefighters who arrived at the scene at 4:15 AM.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, survivors have voiced their outrage over what they perceive as negligence. While hotel staff did assist in evacuating guests, many criticized the lack of alarms and smoke detectors. A distraught guest expressed, “No alarm went off, no smoke detector or emergency staircase while there was smoke up to the tenth floor.” Another witness, Baris Salgur, an employee from a nearby hotel, recounted the desperate situation: “People were calling for help, asking for blankets to escape through the windows. We did what we could, providing ropes and pillows. Some even jumped from the windows.” Reports from private television channel NTV indicate that at least three individuals lost their lives after jumping to escape the flames.
In the aftermath of the disaster, four individuals, including the hotel manager, have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation led by Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc. The investigation will involve six prosecutors and a team of experts to ensure a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the fire. Minister Yerlikaya assured that “all necessary measures will be taken if negligence or faults are identified.”
At a congress meeting for his AKP party, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged that “everything will be done to uncover all aspects of this tragedy and to hold accountable those responsible.” The community mourns the loss and seeks answers in the wake of this devastating event.