A fire that erupted in the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Bolu ski resort has left ten people dead and 32 others injured, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The fire began around 03:27 local time in the hotel’s restaurant area on the fourth floor, quickly spreading throughout the 12-story building, which was at full capacity, housing 234 guests. Distressing accounts from witnesses revealed that at least two of the victims died after leaping from the windows in desperation to escape the advancing flames.
Tragedy Strikes Turkish Ski Resort: Ten Dead in Hotel Fire
Tragedy Strikes Turkish Ski Resort: Ten Dead in Hotel Fire
A devastating fire at a Turkish hotel during peak tourist season has resulted in ten fatalities and many injuries. The incident has shocked the local community and raised questions about fire safety protocols.
Bolu's governor, Abdulaziz Aydin, reported that the incident occurred during a particularly busy holiday season, further complicating the rescue efforts. Emergency services faced significant delays due to the hotel's remote location and the harsh winter weather that hindered rapid response. The combined efforts of 267 rescue personnel were summoned, yet many were still attempting to reach trapped individuals well into the morning.
As details of the disaster unfolded, footage emerged showing linen used by frightened guests trying to escape smoke-filled rooms. Eyewitness accounts from ski instructor Necmi Kepcetutan highlighted the chaos as he and others worked to rescue trapped individuals, emphasizing the urgency of the situation amid cries for help.
In the aftermath, a neighboring hotel was evacuated as a safety precaution while investigations commenced into the cause of the fire, with justice officials assigned to explore all aspects of the tragic event. With popular ski locations like Bolu frequented by tourists from major cities such as Ankara and Istanbul, this incident not only impacts local safety protocols but resonates deeply within the community and the wider region.
As details of the disaster unfolded, footage emerged showing linen used by frightened guests trying to escape smoke-filled rooms. Eyewitness accounts from ski instructor Necmi Kepcetutan highlighted the chaos as he and others worked to rescue trapped individuals, emphasizing the urgency of the situation amid cries for help.
In the aftermath, a neighboring hotel was evacuated as a safety precaution while investigations commenced into the cause of the fire, with justice officials assigned to explore all aspects of the tragic event. With popular ski locations like Bolu frequented by tourists from major cities such as Ankara and Istanbul, this incident not only impacts local safety protocols but resonates deeply within the community and the wider region.
