Tragedy struck a ski resort in Turkey, killing 66 people and injuring at least 51 in a deadly fire at a 12-story hotel. The fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya resort in Bolu province.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the death toll and said 51 were injured, though the severity of their injuries remains unclear. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu confirmed one person was in critical condition.
Guests tried to escape by tying sheets together to climb down, while others made desperate attempts to jump. Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor, described waking up to the blaze and helping others evacuate, though he feared for some of his students. Guest Atakan Yelkovan mentioned the fire alarm didn’t go off, and it took firefighters over an hour to arrive. Many on the upper floors screamed for help as flames spread.
Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all affected by this tragedy.
