Key Points:
- Tragic Ski Resort Fire in Turkey: A massive fire at a hotel in Kartalkaya ski resort, Bolu province, has claimed 66 lives and left 51 injured.
- Desperate Escape Attempts: Some victims jumped from windows, and others used tied bed sheets to flee as flames engulfed the building.
- Peak Holiday Season: The fire occurred during the resort’s busiest time, with 234 guests staying at the hotel.
- Critical Injuries and Casualties: Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu confirmed one critically injured individual among the survivors.
- Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are inspecting the site to determine the cause of the devastating blaze.
Bolu Province, Turkey: A catastrophic fire at a luxury hotel in Kartalkaya, one of Turkey’s most popular ski resorts, has resulted in 66 fatalities and left 51 people injured, with one critically wounded. The blaze erupted at 3:27 a.m. on Tuesday, devastating the Bolu province resort during its peak holiday season.
Early Morning Chaos
The fire broke out in the early hours when most of the 234 guests were asleep. Eyewitnesses and officials reported scenes of panic and desperation as flames consumed the top floors of the building. Some guests attempted to jump from windows, while others used makeshift ropes made of tied bed sheets to escape. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in such attempts.
“We are in deep pain,” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated after inspecting the scene. “We have lost 66 lives in this tragic incident.”
Scenes of Desperation
Disturbing visuals aired by Turkish TV channels showed guests leaping from windows as thick grey smoke enveloped the hotel. Other footage captured flames erupting from the building’s top floors, leaving guests trapped. Survivors recounted harrowing moments of confusion and fear as they tried to navigate their way to safety.
Holiday Season Turns to Tragedy
Kartalkaya is a renowned winter destination, especially during school holidays in January and early February. Visitors from Istanbul and Ankara flock to the resort for its world-class skiing facilities and serene mountain views. The hotel was fully booked at the time, with families, tourists, and vacationers enjoying the peak season.
Governor Abdulaziz Aydin confirmed that 234 guests were registered at the hotel. “This incident is a national tragedy,” he said. “The high number of casualties reflects the scale of the disaster.”
Rescue and Medical Response
Emergency services rushed to the scene, evacuating survivors and containing the blaze. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu announced that 51 individuals were treated for injuries, including burns and fractures, with one person in critical condition.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. While no official statement has been made regarding the origin, speculation points to a possible electrical fault or heating system malfunction. The resort’s management and safety protocols are expected to come under scrutiny as part of the probe.
A Nation in Mourning
As Turkey grieves this tragic loss, condolences have poured in from across the country. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his sympathies, promising government support for the victims’ families. “This is a profound loss for our nation,” he said.
Safety Concerns Raised
The incident has reignited debates about fire safety standards in hotels and resorts. Experts are urging stricter regulations and better emergency response measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
As the investigation continues, the nation remains in shock, grappling with the enormity of the tragedy that turned a joyful winter holiday into a devastating nightmare.
