A fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Türkiye’s Kartalkaya Ski Resort has left the nation reeling as authorities confirm 66 fatalities and 51 injuries.
The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours, with the fire reportedly starting in the restaurant section of the hotel before engulfing the entire building. At the time, 237 guests were staying in the hotel, many of whom had to be evacuated to nearby accommodations.
Authorities Respond to Devastating Loss
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the updated casualty figures, expressing concern that the numbers could rise further. Emergency crews continue to search the upper floors of the hotel, meticulously inspecting rooms for anyone who may have been trapped. Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydın revealed that the fire likely spread from the fourth-floor restaurant to the higher levels of the building, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
A National Tragedy
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shared his condolences, calling the event a “heart-wrenching tragedy.” He assured the public that a full investigation is underway, with six prosecutors and expert teams assigned to uncover the cause of the fire. He also emphasized accountability, stating that those responsible will face the consequences.
Local authorities and residents have been shaken by the scale of the disaster. Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, visibly emotional during a televised interview, described the day as one that would “remain etched in memory as one of the darkest in our history.” He noted the challenges of the rescue operation in a structure as large as the Grand Kartal Hotel, with one wing towering 13 stories high.
Safety Concerns Raised
Questions surrounding the building’s compliance with safety regulations have emerged. Mayor Özcan pointed out that the hotel’s operating license was issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1997, and therefore outside local jurisdiction. It is unclear whether the hotel had adequate fire safety measures, including functioning fire escapes and extinguishers.
The area surrounding the hotel, part of the Kartalkaya National Park, is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. This devastating incident has cast a shadow over the region, typically celebrated for its pristine slopes and luxury accommodations.
Continued Rescue and Recovery Efforts
As emergency teams work tirelessly, survivors and the families of victims face the difficult task of processing the tragedy. Many have called for stricter oversight of resort facilities to prevent such disasters in the future. For now, Kartalkaya mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the long recovery ahead.
