Fire at Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey Claims 76 Lives

A catastrophic fire broke out early on Tuesday at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a ski resort located in northwestern Turkey. The blaze, which occurred during the school winter break, has tragically claimed at least 76 lives and left 51 others injured. The hotel, a 12-story building in the Koroglu Mountains in Bolu province, was fully occupied, with many guests taking advantage of the two-week break. The fire has shaken both the local community and the nation.

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The fire began at approximately 3:27 a.m. when the hotel was packed with 238 registered guests. As the flames quickly spread, guests desperately tried to escape the building. Many trapped on higher floors resorted to using sheets and blankets to climb down from their rooms, while others jumped out of windows in a panic to flee the flames. At least two people died after leaping from the building, according to local officials.

Atakan Yelkovan, a guest staying on the third floor, described the scene as frantic. “People on the upper floors were screaming… some tried to jump,” he recalled. The intense smoke made it difficult for many guests to locate emergency exits, worsening the already dire situation.

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Investigation Underway with Arrests

Authorities are working to determine the cause of the fire, which is believed to have started in the hotel’s restaurant section. The Turkish government has launched an official investigation into the incident, with six prosecutors leading the inquiry. Additionally, nine individuals have been detained, including the hotel’s owner, as part of the investigation into the tragedy.

So far, 45 victims have been identified, and their bodies have been returned to their families. The search for additional victims is ongoing, with emergency teams continuing to comb through the building. The authorities have assured the public that those responsible for the fire will face justice.

Among the victims was Nedim Turkmen, a prominent columnist for Sozcu newspaper, who tragically lost his life along with his wife and two children in the blaze. This loss has deeply affected the nation, with many people mourning the untimely deaths of their loved ones in such a devastating event.

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A Heroic Effort Amid the Tragedy

While the tragedy unfolded, some individuals risked their lives to help others. Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor at the hotel, was asleep when the fire started. Upon realizing the danger, he quickly ran out of the building and assisted around 20 guests to safety. However, he expressed concern over not being able to reach some of his students. Despite the smoke and chaos, his actions helped save many lives.

A Popular Resort Devastated

The Grand Kartal Hotel, a favorite destination for families and tourists during the winter season, was fully booked due to the school holiday. Located in one of Turkey’s most popular ski regions, the hotel attracted visitors from across the country. The loss of so many lives at such a popular resort has left the community reeling, as families and loved ones cope with the aftermath of this tragic event.

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