Tragedy Strikes Turkey’s Ski Resort: Hotel Fire Claims 10 Lives and Injures 32
A devastating fire engulfed the Grand Kartal hotel at the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwestern Turkey early on Tuesday, resulting in the loss of 10 lives and injuries to 32 others. The fire broke out at 3:27 am local time (0027 GMT), catching many of the hotel’s 230 guests off guard during their stay at the popular winter destination.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as desperate guests tried to escape the flames. Some tied hotel bedsheets into makeshift ropes to lower themselves from windows, while others resorted to jumping to safety. Tragically, reports indicate that at least three individuals lost their lives in their attempts to jump from the burning building. Footage of the disaster shows plumes of smoke rising into the sky, with bedsheets hanging from windows as guests fought to survive.
The Grand Kartal hotel, a 12-story structure with wooden cladding, posed significant challenges for firefighters. Part of the building backs onto a cliff, complicating efforts to contain the blaze. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the fire started in the restaurant area and spread quickly. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, an investigation has been launched, with six prosecutors assigned to determine the circumstances behind the tragedy.
Local media reported that guests and staff at the hotel faced significant challenges due to a lack of safety measures. A survivor revealed that no fire alarms were triggered when the fire began, nor were smoke detectors or fire stairs available to aid in evacuation. The absence of these critical safety features has sparked public outrage and concern about fire safety standards at tourist facilities.
Baris Salgur, an employee at a nearby hotel, recounted the horrifying moments of the fire. He described hearing screams around midnight as residents of the Grand Kartal hotel called for help. “They asked for a blanket, saying they will jump,” he told NTV television. Along with others, he tried to assist by bringing ropes, pillows, and sofas to cushion the falls of those forced to jump. Despite their efforts, the rapid spread of the flames left many with no viable escape routes.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), praying for the victims and wishing a swift recovery for those injured. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc emphasized the gravity of the incident and confirmed the ongoing investigation into the fire. Officials at the scene warned of the possibility of the building collapsing due to the extensive damage caused by the fire.
As the fire was eventually contained, the survivors were evacuated and relocated to nearby hotels. The wreckage of the hotel reveals a grim picture of charred furniture and broken glass, serving as a stark reminder of the tragedy.
This incident has highlighted the critical importance of fire safety protocols in hospitality establishments, particularly in high-risk areas such as ski resorts. As investigations continue, authorities must address the lapses that contributed to this disaster to prevent such incidents in the future.
Reference From: www.ndtv.com