Turkey Ski Resort Hotel Fire Kills 66, Injures 51/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya ski resort has killed at least 66 people and injured 51 others, officials confirmed. The blaze broke out early Tuesday in the restaurant section, with some victims jumping from windows to escape. An investigation is underway as survivors allege fire alarm failures and delayed emergency response.
Key Points from Turkey Ski Resort Fire
- Casualties: 66 dead, 51 injured, including 1 critically.
- Location: Grand Kartal Hotel, Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu province.
- Incident Timing: Fire started around 3:30 a.m. in the hotel restaurant.
- Survivor Accounts: Guests report nonfunctioning fire alarms and delayed firefighting efforts.
- Government Response: Six prosecutors assigned to investigate the tragedy.
Turkey Ski Resort Hotel Fire Kills 66, Injures 51
Deep Look
Tragic Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Hotel Kills 66
Introduction: A Devastating Loss at Kartalkaya
A catastrophic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya ski resort claimed the lives of at least 66 people and injured 51 others in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The disaster unfolded at the popular winter destination during a peak vacation period, leaving survivors traumatized and authorities scrambling to investigate the causes.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out at approximately 3:30 a.m. local time in the hotel’s restaurant section, rapidly engulfing the building. Witnesses reported chaos as guests struggled to escape through thick smoke and flames.
Governor Abdulaziz Aydin confirmed that 234 guests were staying at the hotel, and at least two victims died after jumping from upper floors in desperation. Survivors described scenes of panic, with some using sheets and blankets to climb down from their rooms.
“The hotel was filled with smoke, making it impossible to find the fire escapes,” said Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor who helped 20 guests escape.
Faulty Alarms and Delayed Response
Several survivors criticized the hotel’s fire detection system, claiming it failed to activate. Guest Atakan Yelkovan said his wife’s sense of smell alerted them to the fire, not the alarms.
“The alarm did not go off,” Yelkovan told local media. “It took about an hour for the fire trucks to arrive.”
The wooden chalet-style cladding of the 12-story hotel may have accelerated the spread of the fire, according to NTV television. The hotel’s location on a cliffside further complicated firefighting efforts.
Government Response and Investigation
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed grief over the tragedy, vowing accountability. Six prosecutors have been appointed to lead an investigation into the fire.
Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that the hotel underwent fire safety inspections in 2021 and 2024, with no significant issues reported. However, survivors’ testimonies and evidence of delayed emergency response have cast doubt on safety measures.
Presidential Condolences
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the nation, calling the incident a profound loss.
“All necessary steps will be taken to shed light on all aspects of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable,” Erdogan said.
Impact on the Region
The fire has prompted evacuations at nearby hotels as a precaution, with displaced guests relocated to accommodations across Bolu province.
Separate Incident: Gas Explosion at Another Resort
In an unrelated event, a gas explosion at the Yildiz Mountain Winter Sports Center in Sivas province injured four people. The victims, including two skiers, suffered minor injuries, while an instructor sustained second-degree burns.
Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning
As rescue operations and investigations continue, Turkey grapples with the immense loss of life at one of its most popular ski destinations. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for rigorous fire safety measures and swift emergency response to prevent similar disasters in the future.
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