At least 76 people have lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel, a popular ski resort in Turkey’s Bolu mountains, leaving some victims to leap from windows in a desperate bid to escape.
The fire broke out at 03:27 local time (00:27 GMT) on Tuesday, during a busy holiday period when 234 guests were staying at the 12-storey, wooden-clad hotel.
The Turkish interior ministry initially reported 10 deaths, but this number rose significantly as rescue efforts unfolded.
At least two people were confirmed to have died after jumping from the building to escape the flames.
The fire raged for 12 hours before it was extinguished. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc revealed that nine individuals, including the hotel owner, had been arrested as investigations continue.
Among the victims were several notable individuals. Vedia Nil Apak, a 10-year-old swimmer with Istanbul’s Fenerbahce Sports Club, died alongside her mother, Ferda.
The club expressed “deep sorrow” over the loss in a post on Instagram. Chef Eslem Uyanik, as well as Ceren Yaman Dogan—a local businessman’s daughter—and her 17-year-old daughter, Lalin, were also among the deceased.
Writer Nedim Turkmen of Sozcu newspaper perished with his wife, Ayse Neva, and their two children, aged 18 and 22. Others identified include Dilara Ermanoglu, 24, and Prof. Atakan Yalcin, dean of Ozyegin University Business School.
Dilara’s father, who rushed to Bolu to search for her, reportedly suffered a heart attack and required medical attention.
Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu confirmed that 51 people were injured, with one in intensive care, while 17 had been discharged.
Survivors described harrowing escapes. Footage circulating online showed guests using linen as makeshift ropes to flee the burning building.
Ski instructor Necmi Kepcetutan, who was on the second floor when the fire broke out, said he escaped through the ski room and joined rescue efforts. “I saw some of the family that owned the hotel outside,” he stated.
Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin stated the fire appeared to have started in the restaurant on the fourth floor before spreading upwards.
He noted the hotel’s remote location and freezing weather caused delays, with fire engines taking over an hour to arrive.
Emergency services dispatched 267 personnel to the scene, but concerns remain about whether some guests, including children, were trapped as the blaze spread.
The interior minister confirmed the hotel had two fire escapes, and a staff member reported rescuing 30 to 35 people.
However, the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) criticized the hotel’s fire safety measures.
“Photos on the hotel’s website show the automatic sprinkler system, required since 2008, was not installed,” the union said, adding that detection and warning systems seemed to have failed, and escape routes were unclear.
The hotel had been inspected in 2024, and Tourism Minister Nuri Ersoy claimed no safety concerns were noted at the time.
Justice Minister Tunc announced prosecutors would investigate the blaze to determine any negligence.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed accountability for those found responsible, stating, “Those who caused this tragedy through negligence will face justice.”
A day of national mourning has been declared, with Turkish flags flying at half-mast until sunset on Wednesday.
Source-BBC
