Turkey is mourning after a devastating hotel fire claimed the lives of 66 people and left dozens injured. The tragic incident occurred at the Grand Kartal hotel, a four-star accommodation in the ski resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu.
The fire erupted around 3:30 AM in the hotel's restaurant, rapidly spreading through the 12-story building. According to Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, at least 51 people sustained injuries, some of them critical.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and local authorities are working tirelessly to determine the origin. Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin confirmed that two individuals lost their lives attempting to escape by jumping from the building in panic.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as guests attempted to escape the inferno. Some used sheets and blankets to climb down from their rooms, highlighting the desperate situation they faced.
The Grand Kartal hotel, known for attracting winter sports enthusiasts, was reportedly at full capacity at the time of the incident. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the scale of the blaze made it challenging to contain.
Authorities have vowed a full-scale investigation into the tragedy, with experts assessing whether safety protocols and fire prevention measures were adequately followed.
The Turkish government has expressed condolences to the victims' families and promised support for those affected. In the wake of the incident, calls have intensified for stricter fire safety regulations in high-occupancy buildings across the country.
For updates on this developing story, follow reliable sources such as BBC News and CNN.
