At least 76 people have died in a devastating fire that engulfed the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel, a popular ski resort in Bolu, Turkey. The blaze, which broke out in the restaurant area at 3:27 AM local time during a busy holiday period, forced some guests to leap from windows to escape. Among the 234 guests staying at the hotel, two died from injuries sustained while jumping.
The fire took 12 hours to extinguish, with freezing weather conditions and the hotel’s remote location delaying emergency response efforts. Nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been arrested as authorities investigate the incident. Initial reports suggest the fire started in the restaurant on the fourth floor and spread rapidly.
The victims include well-known figures such as 10-year-old swimmer Vedia Nil Apak, her mother Ferda, and members of writer Nedim Turkmen’s family. Several others, including children, students, and staff, have also been identified. Fifty-one people were injured, with one still in intensive care.
Survivors described chaotic scenes, with linens used as makeshift escape ropes and unclear evacuation routes. A ski instructor recounted his narrow escape and efforts to assist others. Fire safety concerns have emerged, with critics pointing out the lack of an automatic sprinkler system and inadequate detection and warning measures, despite the hotel passing its last inspection in 2024.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning and promised accountability for any negligence.
The tragedy has left the nation grieving and raised questions about fire safety compliance at resorts, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
