Scores Killed as Fire Engulfs Turkish Ski Hotel
A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Turkish ski resort of Bolu has claimed the lives of 66 people and injured 51 others, officials have confirmed. The tragedy unfolded during the early hours of the morning, at 03:27 local time (00:27 GMT), while the hotel was operating at near full capacity, hosting 234 guests during the holiday period.
Footage shared on social media showed linen draped from windows as desperate guests attempted to escape the 12-storey building. Some individuals reportedly jumped to their deaths as the flames consumed the hotel.
How the Fire Started
Origin of the Blaze
According to Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin, the fire began in the restaurant on the fourth floor and rapidly spread to the upper levels of the hotel. The freezing weather conditions and the hotel’s remote location contributed to delays, as it took over an hour for fire engines to reach the scene.
Rescue teams, comprising 267 emergency responders, continued efforts well into the morning. By midday, some parts of the hotel remained inaccessible to rescuers.
Survivors Share Their Stories
Heroic Rescue Efforts
Ski instructor Necmi Kepcetutan, who escaped the inferno, shared his harrowing experience with Turkish media.
“People were shouting at the windows, ‘Save us,’ because there was intense smoke inside. We pulled 20-25 people out,” Kepcetutan told NTV.
Impact on Guests
Sadly, many guests were unfamiliar with the building’s layout, which limited their ability to navigate the smoke-filled hallways to safety.
Details About the Victims and Injuries
- The initial death toll of 10 has climbed to 66, with 51 injured.
- At least two individuals died after jumping from the windows in a desperate attempt to escape.
The Bolu mountains, where the Grand Kartal Hotel is located, are a favored winter destination for skiers from Istanbul and Ankara. The hotel was running at high capacity due to the start of Turkey’s two-week school holidays.
Investigation Underway
Prosecution Launched
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the incident. Authorities are examining whether any guests were trapped in their rooms as the fire spread.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Though the fire was contained to the Grand Kartal Hotel, a neighboring hotel was evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Location and Background
The tragedy occurred in Kartalkaya, a popular ski resort located 170km (105 miles) northwest of Ankara. Known for its scenic mountains and ski facilities, Kartalkaya draws tourists from across Turkey and beyond.
Despite its remote location, concerns are now being raised about emergency response times and the hotel’s fire safety measures.
What’s Next?
As the dust settles, survivors, officials, and the families of victims are left searching for answers. The Turkish government has vowed to investigate the tragedy thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable.
External Link:
Learn more about the Bolu fire tragedy on BBC News.
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