Ski Resort Fire in Turkey Claims 76 Lives & Injures Dozens
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A tragic fire broke out at a 12-story hotel in Kartalkaya, a popular ski resort in northwestern Turkey, early Tuesday, leaving 76 dead and 51 injured. The fire, which struck around 3:27 a.m., caused panic among guests and spread quickly throughout the building. The hotel, located about 300 kilometers from Istanbul, was busy with tourists during the winter break.
Fire Claims Lives and Shakes Turkey
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the death toll, adding that 45 victims had been identified while authorities continue to work on identifying the rest. Two people died after jumping from the hotel in panic as the blaze engulfed the building.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and declared a national day of mourning for Wednesday. All flags in government buildings and Turkish embassies abroad will be flown at half-staff.
#Snow #WINTER #Weather #Fires: So sad... the 12-story wood-clad ski resort Grand Kartal Hotel, in Bolu, #Turkey / Turkiye, 110 miles NW of Ankara, burned early this morning, killing 76 and injuring 51. The building owner and three others arrested. Condolences to Turkiye. 😢🇺🇸❤️🇹🇷 https://t.co/odu3jWiN7F pic.twitter.com/ALbJyMrojT
— USAS: Wildfires, Weather, Aviation, History 🇺🇲🌊 (@USAS_WW1) January 21, 2025
A Devastating Blaze
Reports suggest the fire started in the hotel's restaurant section. By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had already wreaked significant damage. Footage from the scene showed the hotel’s lobby engulfed in smoke, with shattered windows and a charred reception desk. Media outlets speculated that the hotel's wooden exterior may have helped spread the fire more rapidly.
Investigation Underway
The Turkish government has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Six prosecutors have been appointed to examine the incident, and nine people, including the hotel’s owner, have been detained for questioning.
Although the hotel underwent inspections in 2021 and 2024, authorities stated that no fire safety violations were found during those checks.
As the investigation continues, the nation remains in mourning for the lives lost in this devastating disaster.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here