Tragic Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Kills 76, Injures 51
A devastating fire tore through the 12-story Grand Kartal hotel at Kartalkaya ski resort in Turkey’s Bolu province early Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least 76 people and injuring 51 others. The tragedy unfolded during a busy school holiday season, with hotels in the region at full capacity.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the fatalities, noting that two victims died after jumping from the burning building to escape the flames. “Our hearts are broken. We are in mourning,” Yerlikaya said, vowing that those responsible would face justice.
The fire broke out at 3:27 a.m., with fire crews arriving nearly an hour later. Chaos ensued as guests on the upper floors attempted to escape, with some using sheets and blankets to climb down. Atakan Yelkovan, a third-floor guest, described the panic: “People were screaming. They hung sheets out the windows, and some tried to jump.”
Of the 76 victims, 45 have been identified, while efforts to identify the remaining bodies continue. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that one injured individual remains in critical condition, while 17 others have been treated and discharged.
The Grand Kartal hotel had 238 registered guests at the time of the incident. Emergency response teams are expected to complete a final search for victims on Wednesday as authorities investigate the cause of the fire.