A devastating fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwestern Turkey, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 76 guests. Many victims were forced to jump from windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. The fire reportedly started in the early hours of January 21, 2025, and quickly engulfed the hotel, with guests trapped inside due to smoke and flames.
Rescue operations were complicated by the remote location of the resort, and emergency services struggled to reach the site in time. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos, with guests screaming for help as they attempted to flee the inferno. The Turkish Interior Minister confirmed the high death toll and noted that over 51 people sustained injuries, with some in critical condition.
In the aftermath, authorities arrested four individuals, including the hotel manager and the owner, on charges of negligence and failing to comply with safety regulations. Investigators are looking into whether the hotel had adequate fire safety measures in place, as the rapid spread of the fire raised concerns about potential violations.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in hotels, especially those catering to tourists in remote areas. The tragedy has left families mourning their loved ones, and the local community is in shock as they come to terms with the scale of the disaster.
This fire marks one of the deadliest hotel fires in Turkey's recent history, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols in hospitality venues across the country.