
Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Kills 76, Injures 51
- World News
- January 21, 2025
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Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Kills 76, Injures 51
At least 76 people were killed and 51 injured
A devastating fire tore through the Grand Kartal Hotel at Turkey’s Kartalkaya ski resort, killing 76 people were killed and 51 injured Including Child & woman, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, at around 3:27 AM (0027 GMT), in the restaurant section of the 12-story hotel, which features wooden cladding. The flames spread rapidly through the structure, forcing guests and staff to evacuate in freezing temperatures.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and firefighting teams worked to control the flames. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation.
At the time of the fire, the hotel was near capacity, with around 234 guests staying there. Many of them were tourists and families on holiday, as Turkey’s school vacation period had just begun.
Dramatic TV footage showed thick plumes of smoke billowing from the hotel, set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as guests scrambled to escape the flames.
Authorities have not ruled out any possible causes, including electrical faults or heating system failures. Forensic teams are conducting a detailed examination, while officials are checking whether the hotel complied with fire safety regulations.
Kartalkaya, located in Bolu province, is one of Turkey’s most popular winter tourism destinations, attracting thousands of skiers annually. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures at high-altitude resorts, where emergency response can be challenging due to terrain and weather conditions.
Authorities have pledged to review safety protocols at ski resorts nationwide to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, families of victims are demanding accountability as Turkey mourns the lives lost in this horrific disaster.