A raging fire engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel at a popular ski resort in Turkey’s northwestern Bolu province early Tuesday, claiming the lives of 66 people, including two who jumped from the building to escape the flames. At least 51 others were injured, with one reported to be in critical condition.
The disaster occurred in Kartalkaya, located in the Koroglu mountains, approximately 300 kilometers east of Istanbul. The hotel, a favorite destination for tourists during Turkey’s two-week winter school holiday, was packed with 238 registered guests at the time of the incident.
The fire began at approximately 3:27 a.m., reportedly in the restaurant section of the 12-story hotel. Guests were thrown into panic as the flames quickly spread, engulfing the upper floors and filling the building with smoke.
Eyewitness accounts described harrowing scenes of people desperately trying to escape. “People on the upper floors were screaming,” said Atakan Yelkovan, a guest staying on the third floor. “They hung down sheets… some tried to jump.”
Many guests were unable to locate the fire escapes due to the dense smoke, and several attempted to climb down using improvised ropes made of bedsheets and blankets. At least two victims lost their lives after jumping from the building in panic, officials said.
The fire department arrived at the scene by 4:15 a.m., nearly an hour after the blaze was first reported. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the flames had already caused extensive damage, and rescue operations were hampered by thick smoke and the intensity of the fire.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “We are in deep pain. We have unfortunately lost 66 lives in the fire that broke out at this hotel,” he said after inspecting the site.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc confirmed that six prosecutors had been assigned to investigate the cause of the blaze. Four individuals, including the hotel’s owner, have been detained for questioning. Initial reports suggest that the fire detection system at the hotel may have failed to operate properly, leaving guests unalerted to the danger.
Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor staying at the hotel, recounted his escape and efforts to help others. “I was asleep when the fire erupted. I rushed out and then helped about 20 guests out of the building,” he said, adding that some of his students remained unaccounted for.
Many survivors reported that the hotel’s alarm system did not activate. “My wife smelled the burning. The alarm did not go off,” said Yelkovan. “We tried to go upstairs but couldn’t because of the flames. We went downstairs and made it out.”
A Preventable Tragedy?
Television footage showed the top floors and roof of the hotel completely ablaze. Witness accounts suggest delays in emergency response, as some guests reported waiting nearly an hour for firefighting teams to arrive.
Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu said that 17 of the injured were treated and discharged, while one remained in critical condition.
The Grand Kartal Hotel, a key attraction in the popular ski resort area, was a hub of activity during the school holiday season. The tragedy has left the region and the nation mourning the loss of lives and grappling with questions about safety measures and preparedness.
As investigations continue, authorities aim to uncover the root causes of the fire and ensure accountability for what many believe could have been a preventable disaster