Devastating Fire at Turkey Ski Resort Kills 66, Injures Dozens

Istanbul, Turkey — A massive fire tore through a hotel at a ski resort in northwestern Turkey early Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least 66 people and injuring 32 others, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Harrowing eyewitness accounts described guests attempting to escape by climbing down makeshift ropes made from bedsheets, while some tragically lost their lives after jumping from windows.

"Our pain is immense," Yerlikaya said during a press briefing at the Kartalkaya resort, situated about 100 miles northwest of Ankara.

Details of the Incident

Location and Time:
The fire broke out around 3:30 AM at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu province’s Kartalkaya resort, a popular ski destination in the Koroglu Mountains approximately 300 kilometers east of Istanbul. The 12-story hotel was fully booked with 234 guests at the time of the incident, coinciding with Turkey’s school semester break.

Casualties and Injuries:

• Victims: Two individuals died after jumping from the building in panic, while others suffered injuries trying to escape via makeshift ropes.
• Survivors’ Accounts: Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor at the resort, described the chaos:
  "The hotel was engulfed in smoke, making it nearly impossible to locate the fire escape. I managed to help about 20 guests, but I still can’t reach some of my students. I pray they’re safe."

Television footage revealed the top floors of the hotel consumed by flames and severe damage to the lobby from fire and smoke.

Rescue Efforts and Challenges

Emergency Response:

• Authorities dispatched 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances to the scene.
• Rescuers faced significant challenges due to the hotel’s cliffside location and its wooden cladding, which reportedly caused the fire to spread rapidly.

Evacuations:
Guests from neighboring hotels were also evacuated as a precaution and relocated to safer accommodations in Bolu province.

Investigation Underway:
Six prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting that the building’s wooden exterior may have accelerated the flames.

Separate Incident in Sivas Province

On the same day, a natural gas explosion occurred at the Yildiz Mountain Winter Sports Center in Sivas province, injuring four individuals. Two skiers and an instructor sustained minor injuries, while another instructor suffered second-degree burns.

A Tragic Semester Break

The tragedy at the Grand Kartal Hotel unfolded during a peak holiday period when the resort was operating at full capacity. With 161 rooms fully booked, the hotel was bustling with families and winter sports enthusiasts.

This devastating fire highlights the critical need for stricter safety regulations in resorts, especially during busy holiday seasons. As investigations continue, Turkish authorities are focused on uncovering the cause of the disaster and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies.