A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel, a popular ski
resort in Bolu, Turkey, has claimed the lives of at least 76 people, leaving
the nation in mourning. The fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday during
a busy holiday period, with 234 guests staying at the wooden-clad 12-storey
hotel. The blaze, which started on the fourth floor and quickly spread, forced
some guests to jump out of windows in a desperate bid to escape. Tragically,
two people lost their lives attempting to leap to safety.
Among the victims were a diverse group of individuals,
including 10-year-old swimmer Vedia Nil Apak and her mother, Ferda, from
Istanbul's Fenerbahce Sports Club. Other casualties included hotel staff,
families, and well-known local figures, such as university professor Atakan
Yalcin and journalist Nedim Turkmen with his family.
Survivors described harrowing scenes, with guests using
linens to climb down from windows as the fire engulfed the building. Despite
the efforts of emergency services, freezing conditions and the remote location
delayed the response, taking firefighters 12 hours to extinguish the blaze.
Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into the
incident, with nine people, including the hotel owner, already arrested.
Initial findings suggest the fire began in the restaurant area and spread
rapidly.
Survivors have criticised the hotel’s safety measures,
citing non-functional detection systems and unclear escape routes. The Union of
Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) revealed that the hotel
lacked a mandatory automatic sprinkler system, raising concerns over regulatory
compliance.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a day of
national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast in memory of the victims. He
assured the public that those responsible for any negligence leading to the
tragedy would be held accountable.
The Grand Kartal Hotel, located in the Kartalkaya ski
region, is a popular destination for skiers from Istanbul and Ankara. The
incident occurred during the start of a two-week school holiday, a peak season
for the resort.
As the nation grieves, many are calling for stronger fire
safety regulations and enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future. The
heartbreaking loss of life has resonated deeply, not only in Turkey but also
internationally, with condolences pouring in from around the world.
