A catastrophic fire erupted early on Tuesday morning at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the scenic Kartalkaya ski resort in northwestern Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 76 individuals. Among the victims, at least two were reported to have died after jumping from the building in desperation to escape the flames. This tragedy unfolded during a school holiday, a time when the resort was bustling with visitors, particularly families taking advantage of the two-week winter break.
As dawn broke over the region, emergency services raced to the scene in response to the massive blaze that engulfed the 12-story hotel. Situated in Bolu province’s Koroglu mountains, approximately 300 kilometers east of Istanbul, the Grand Kartal Hotel was home to 238 registered guests at the time of the fire. Of those, 51 people sustained injuries, some of them in critical condition.
According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 45 of the deceased have been identified, and efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining victims. The tragic event has cast a shadow over the region, and authorities have vowed to ensure that those responsible for the fire face justice. “We are in mourning. Our hearts are broken,” said Yerlikaya. “But you should know that whoever is responsible for causing this pain will not escape justice.”
Eyewitness accounts have painted a harrowing picture of the chaos that unfolded as people tried to escape the inferno. Atakan Yelkovan, a guest at the hotel, recounted the desperate scenes on the upper floors where people scrambled to escape. “People on the upper floors were screaming. They hung down sheets… Some tried to jump,” Yelkovan told IHA news agency, highlighting the panic that gripped those trapped inside.
The fire, which was first reported at 3:27 a.m., quickly spread throughout the hotel, making it nearly impossible for guests to find a safe escape route. Authorities reported that emergency response teams arrived approximately 45 minutes after the first call, by which time the fire had caused severe damage to the structure. Firefighters worked tirelessly to save as many lives as possible, but the hotel’s wooden cladding, often found in chalet-style buildings, may have contributed to the swift spread of the fire.
The origin of the blaze is still under investigation, with authorities focusing their efforts on the hotel’s restaurant section, where the fire is believed to have started. Six prosecutors have been appointed to lead the investigation, and nine individuals have been detained, including the hotel’s owner, as part of the probe into the disaster.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences following the tragedy, announcing a national day of mourning on Wednesday to honor the victims. Flags across Turkey and at diplomatic missions abroad will be flown at half-staff. In a statement, Erdogan described the fire as “extremely painful” and promised a full investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Ski Instructor’s Account: Heroism Amid Chaos
Among the survivors was Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor at the Grand Kartal Hotel. He was asleep when the fire broke out but quickly rushed out of the building and then returned to help others escape. Speaking to NTV television, Kepcetutan revealed the challenges he faced as thick smoke filled the hotel, making it difficult for guests to locate emergency exits. “I cannot reach some of my students. I hope they are OK,” he said, his voice tinged with worry for those he could not rescue.
As investigators piece together the details of the tragedy, questions are being raised about the hotel’s fire safety measures. Witnesses have reported that the hotel’s fire detection system failed to alert guests to the imminent danger. One guest, Yelkovan, shared his concerns, stating, “The alarm did not go off. We tried to go upstairs but couldn’t, there were flames. We went downstairs and came here (outside).”
While the Turkish Ministry of Tourism confirmed that the Grand Kartal Hotel underwent inspections in 2021 and 2024, there were no reports of deficiencies related to fire safety. Yet, the scale of the fire and the difficulty in accessing the building’s rear side—due to its position on a cliff—complicated rescue operations. The building’s design, featuring wooden cladding on the exterior, may have also played a role in accelerating the fire’s spread.
Gas Explosion in Central Turkey
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the fire in Kartalkaya, another disaster struck at a ski resort in Sivas province, central Turkey. A gas explosion at the Yildiz Mountain Winter Sports Center injured four people, including two skiers and their instructor. Fortunately, the injuries were reported to be minor, with one instructor suffering second-degree burns.
The tragic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel has left a deep wound in the hearts of the Turkish people. The loss of life, particularly during a time of family gatherings and winter vacations, underscores the fragility of life and the importance of safety in public accommodations. As the investigation continues, the Turkish people await answers and justice for those lost in the flames. The government’s promise to hold those responsible accountable brings a sense of hope that such a tragedy will not be forgotten. In the meantime, the nation mourns the victims, with flags lowered and hearts heavy with sorrow.
