Hotel Inferno Claims 76 Lives at Turkish Ski Resort Amid School Holiday Rush
Packed with guests on a school holiday, the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu province became a fiery death trap as survivors scrambled to escape the flames
- The blaze erupted during the peak of a winter school holiday, with 238 guests in the hotel
- Guests used sheets to climb down or jumped from windows amid the chaos
- 45 victims identified; emergency teams continue to search for others
A deadly fire tore through the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Bolu province early Tuesday, claiming 76 lives, including two who jumped to escape the flames.
The blaze, which broke out at 3:27 a.m. during the winter school holiday at the Kartalkaya ski resort, left 51 others injured.
Packed with 238 guests at the time, the hotel became a scene of chaos as flames engulfed the building. Survivors recounted harrowing attempts to escape, with some tying sheets together to climb down while others jumped from windows.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 45 victims had been identified as search efforts continued. “We are heartbroken. Justice will be served for those responsible,” he stated.
Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported one person in critical condition, while 17 others have been treated and released. Emergency teams are conducting a final sweep of the site to ensure all victims are accounted for.
