Anger and Mourning in Turkey After Deadly Hotel Fire Claims 76 Lives
A fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort on January 21, 2025, resulted in the deaths of at least 76 vacationers, with 51 injured. Eyewitnesses reported inadequate safety measures, igniting outrage over emergency protocols. The government has launched an investigation, detaining hotel management amid international condolences.
hassan benyoub 
Kartalkaya, Turkey – A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 76 vacationers and left 51 others injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 21, 2025, has sparked outrage over safety regulations and emergency response protocols.
The fire broke out at approximately 3:27 AM local time, engulfing the twelve-story hotel that was hosting 238 guests during Turkey's winter holiday season. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported ongoing identification efforts for the victims at Bolu Hospital, where many were transported following the blaze.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described harrowing scenes as guests attempted to escape the flames. "People were screaming; they hung sheets to try to escape. Some jumped out of windows," recounted Atakan Yelkovan, a guest who managed to escape with his wife. He criticized the hotel for lacking emergency exits and stated that it took firefighters about an hour to arrive on the scene.
The rapid spread of the fire was exacerbated by wooden exterior cladding, which allowed flames to engulf the building quickly. Eyewitness accounts revealed desperate attempts to escape, with some guests using makeshift ropes made from sheets to lower themselves from windows. Tragically, at least three individuals died after jumping from upper floors in a panic.
Government Response
In response to this tragedy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a national day of mourning on Wednesday. He expressed condolences for those who lost their lives and assured that all necessary measures would be taken if negligence is found during the investigation.
The Justice Minister has appointed six prosecutors to lead an inquiry into the incident, while nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained for questioning regarding their responsibilities in the fire.
Safety Concerns
The lack of safety measures at the hotel has come under scrutiny. Survivors reported that there were no alarms or proper evacuation plans in place. A hotel employee noted that there was no designated fire escape, contributing to the chaos during the emergency.
As families gathered outside Bolu Hospital awaiting news of their loved ones, many expressed anger over perceived negligence and inadequate safety protocols at the hotel. The incident has raised critical questions about regulatory oversight in Turkey's hospitality sector, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
International Condolences
Following this tragic event, condolences have poured in from various countries, including Germany, Greece, Ukraine, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and even Russian President Vladimir Putin. The international community has expressed solidarity with Turkey during this difficult time.
As investigations continue and families mourn their losses, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations in preventing such tragedies in the future.
