Tragedy in Turkey: Kartalkaya ski resort fire claims 76 lives
A tragic fire has occurred at the Kartalkaya ski resort in the northwestern part of Turkey. The death toll has already risen to 76 people, including entire families and many children. A national day of mourning has been declared in the country.
As a result of the fire that broke out early on Tuesday, 21st January, in the 11-storey hotel at the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu province, 76 people lost their lives, and 51 were injured. The victims included entire families, many of whom were children. Turkish media are widely covering the tragedy that has shaken the whole country, with the news spreading even beyond its borders.
Dramatic witness accounts
According to Hurriyet Daily News, one of the victims, Zehra Sena Gultekin, called her mother to say goodbye. The woman died along with her husband, three children, and nine other family members. Reports indicate that another witness saw a man holding a child in his arms, calling for help from a window. Firefighters managed to save the adult, but sadly, the child died due to smoke inhalation.
Yesterday, local media reported people fleeing the hotel in panic through the windows. Today, images have been released showing sheets tied into ropes that terrified tourists used to lower themselves down. The battle with the fire lasted for up to 10 hours, starting at approximately 3:00 a.m. GMT.
Witnesses and survivors point to the hotel's lack of appropriate fire safety measures. There were no working alarms, fire extinguishers, or access to evacuation exits. The hotel's location on a steep slope further complicated the rescue efforts.
Investigation ongoing
An investigation into the fire is underway. Nine people, including the hotel owner, have been detained so far. The cause of the fire, which started in the restaurant, is unknown. At the time the fire broke out, the hotel had 238 guests.
Following the tragedy, on Wednesday, 22nd January, a day of national mourning was declared in Turkey. Photos of the victims' families mourning their loved ones by the coffins have appeared online.
Condolences are pouring into Turkey from abroad in connection with the fire, including from the EU, Greece, Russia, and Azerbaijan.
The resort of Kartalkaya, located about 300 kilometres east of Istanbul, is one of Turkey's main winter destinations. School holidays are ongoing in the country, so the resorts are full of guests. As a precaution, tourists from nearby hotels have also been evacuated.
