A devastating fire ripped through an upscale hotel in northern Turkey’s popular ski resort, claiming the lives of at least 76 people and injuring dozens more. The blaze broke out early Tuesday, with some victims jumping from windows to escape the inferno.
Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, but so far, no details have been released. Four individuals, including the hotel’s owner, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with flames breaching upper floors and bursting from windows on a cliff-side building. Guests attempted to escape by hanging white sheets from their windows, but many were trapped inside.
The fire is Turkey’s deadliest disaster since February 2023, when twin earthquakes killed over 50,000 people in southern Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning for the victims.
Survivors describe the scene as apocalyptic, with smoke-filled corridors and panicked screams from upper floors. Some reported that it took over an hour for fire brigades to arrive, adding to the chaos.
Investigations suggest that regular inspections were supposed to have taken place at the hotel, but no negative reports were issued after previous audits in 2021 and 2024. However, a chamber of engineers and architects has disputed this claim, stating that the ministry is responsible for conducting such inspections.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/21/turkey-fire-kartalkaya-ski-resort