A tragic fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya ski resort, located in Bolu province, early on January 21, 2025. The incident resulted in 66 fatalities and left 51 others injured, marking a dark day for the popular winter destination.
The fire began around 3:30 a.m. in the hotel’s restaurant area, located on the fourth floor. The hotel was accommodating 234 guests at the time, many of whom were families enjoying the school holiday season.
Reports suggest the fire alarm system failed to alert occupants promptly, delaying evacuation efforts. As flames and smoke spread rapidly, panic ensued. Some guests tried to escape by tying bed sheets together to climb out of windows, while others jumped to save themselves. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives while attempting to flee in this manner.
The hotel’s remote location, combined with freezing weather, hindered the arrival of fire engines, delaying rescue efforts by over an hour. The building’s position on a cliffside further complicated firefighting and evacuation measures. Emergency teams eventually brought the fire under control, but not before significant loss of life and injuries.
Among the injured, one individual remains in serious condition. The majority suffered from burns or injuries sustained while escaping the fire.
Authorities have taken swift action to investigate the cause of the fire. Four individuals, including the hotel’s owner, have been detained for questioning. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and promised a thorough inquiry to ensure accountability.
The Grand Kartal Hotel fire has raised serious concerns about fire safety standards in public spaces, particularly in remote areas. The tragedy has cast a shadow over what is typically a joyful holiday season for families visiting Turkey’s ski resorts.
As investigations continue, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of robust fire safety measures to prevent such heartbreaking events in the future.
