A devastating fire broke out at a ski resort in northwestern Turkey, leaving 66 people dead and 51 others wounded.
The blaze, which started in the restaurant of the 12-storey Grand Kartal hotel, spread quickly, trapping guests inside.
In a desperate bid to escape, some guests used bedsheets as makeshift ropes to climb out of windows, while others attempted to jump to safety, resulting in tragic consequences.
Chaotic Scene as Fire Engulfs Hotel
The fire began shortly after midnight, during a peak period at the resort, with 238 guests registered at the hotel.
Witnesses described hearing screams and shouts for help as the flames spread, with some people throwing themselves from windows in a desperate attempt to escape.
Nearby hotel staff and rescue teams did their best to help, providing rope, pillows, and other items to aid in the evacuation.
Investigation Underway as Cause of Fire Remains Unknown
The interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that the fire had been contained and that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised that all necessary steps would be taken to hold those responsible accountable and to shed light on the incident.
Six prosecutors have been allocated to investigate the fire, which is believed to have started in the restaurant, although the exact cause remains unclear.
Survivor Accounts Reveal Lack of Safety Measures
A survivor who managed to escape the flames told local media that there were no alarms or safety measures in place, including fire stairs or smoke detectors, at the hotel.
This has raised concerns about the hotel’s safety standards and whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.
The tourism minister, Nuri Ersoy, stated that the hotel had two fire escapes, but footage showed hotel sheets hanging from windows, indicating that some guests had resorted to desperate measures to escape.
Response and Aftermath
The hotel’s structure, which backs onto a cliff, made it challenging for firefighters to tackle the blaze.
Authorities have warned that the building could collapse, and those evacuated have been rehoused in nearby hotels. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief, with President Erdogan saying, “Our pain is great, our heartache is great.”
As the investigation continues, the focus will be on determining the cause of the fire and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.