A catastrophic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort has claimed at least 76 lives, according to Hotnews.ro. Authorities and witnesses are raising questions about safety lapses. The incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning, has sparked national mourning and calls for accountability.
Fire Ravages Luxury Hotel
The fire broke out at 3:27 a.m. local time in the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel, which was nearly at full capacity with 238 guests enjoying winter holidays. The blaze spread rapidly, fueled by the building's wooden construction and exterior cladding. Emergency response was hindered by the hotel's location—accessible by vehicles only from the front—and reports of delayed firefighter arrival.
Approximately 300 people, including staff, were in the hotel at the time. Survivors described scenes of chaos and desperation. "People were tying sheets together, jumping from windows, but some had children and friends... There was no way out," said Atakan Yelkovan, who managed to escape from the third floor with his wife.
Lack of Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
Witnesses reported the absence of fire alarms or smoke detectors, which could have provided an earlier warning. "There was no alarm, no fire escape, and smoke had already reached the tenth floor," one survivor stated. Many guests were forced to use makeshift means to escape, with some tragically jumping to their deaths.
Authorities have launched an investigation into possible negligence. The Turkish government has arrested four individuals, including the hotel owner, and six prosecutors have been assigned to the case. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a national day of mourning and vowed accountability for those responsible.
Emergency Response Challenges
Firefighters faced significant challenges reaching the high-altitude resort, with only one accessible entry point for emergency vehicles. Despite the deployment of 428 firefighters, efforts were delayed, exacerbating the tragedy. Drone footage revealed extensive damage to the upper floors and roof of the hotel.
Turkish officials are under mounting pressure to address regulatory shortcomings and enforce stricter safety measures to prevent similar disasters in the future. Families of the victims have gathered in the nearby city of Bolu, awaiting updates on their loved ones. Meanwhile, Erdoğan has promised a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
