A devastating fire at a ski resort hotel in northwestern Turkey claimed the lives of 10 people and left 32 others injured early Tuesday. The blaze erupted at the Grand Kartal Hotel, an 11-story structure in Bolu’s Kartalkaya ski resort, which was hosting 234 guests at the time.
The fire started on the restaurant floor of the hotel around 3:30 a.m. local time, as confirmed by Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin. The building, known for its prominent wooden facade, was engulfed in flames as rescue teams worked tirelessly to control the situation.
The tragic incident coincides with the start of a nationwide two-week school holiday, a period when skiers from Istanbul and Ankara frequently visit the Bolu mountains. Guests reportedly used bedsheets tied together as makeshift ropes to escape the upper floors of the hotel, which is situated at the base of popular ski slopes.
Over 250 emergency responders, including firefighters and medical teams, attended to the incident. Despite their efforts, the death toll rose to 10, while 32 others sustained injuries. Television footage depicted fire engines surrounding the charred remains of the hotel and smoke billowing into the sky.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the casualty figures and praised the rapid response of emergency teams. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the factors that led to the tragic incident.
This event has raised concerns about fire safety measures at hotels, particularly during peak tourist seasons. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring such a disaster is not repeated.
