Scores killed after flames engulf hotel at popular Turkish ski resort
A tragic fire broke out at a popular ski resort in northwestern Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 66 people and injuring 51 others, according to Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya. The devastating incident occurred at the Grand Kartal hotel in the resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu province in the early hours of the morning.
The fire started in the hotel’s restaurant and quickly spread throughout the 12-story building. As firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames, two victims tragically lost their lives after jumping from the building in a panic. Some guests attempted to escape by climbing down from their rooms using sheets and blankets.
Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor at the hotel, described the chaotic scene as guests tried to navigate through thick smoke to find the fire escape. He managed to help around 20 guests to safety but expressed concern for others who were still trapped inside.
Reports indicated that the hotel’s fire detection system failed to operate, leaving guests unaware of the danger until the smell of smoke alerted them. It took nearly an hour for firefighting teams to arrive at the scene, causing panic among those stranded on the upper floors of the hotel.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences for the victims of the fire and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy. The government appointed six prosecutors to lead the inquiry, with initial reports suggesting that the wooden cladding on the exterior of the hotel may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The Grand Kartal hotel, located on the side of a cliff, presented challenges for firefighters as they battled the flames. Nearby hotels were evacuated as a precaution, and guests were relocated to accommodations in the surrounding area.
In a separate incident, a gas explosion at the Yildiz Mountain Winter Sports Center in Sivas province injured four individuals, including skiers and instructors. The Sivas governor’s office reported that two skiers and their instructor suffered minor injuries, while another instructor sustained second-degree burns on the hands and face.
The tragic events at these ski resorts serve as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in hospitality establishments. As authorities continue to investigate the causes of these incidents, the community mourns the loss of those who perished in the fire and prays for the swift recovery of the injured.
