National Mourning in Turkey Following Deadly Ski Resort Fire
Turkey declares a day of mourning after a tragic fire at a ski resort hotel claims dozens of lives.
On January 21, 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a national day of mourning following a deadly fire at a ski resort hotel in Bolu province, northwest Turkey.
The fire, which erupted in the early hours at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, claimed 76 lives, according to a statement by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
The blaze began around 3:30 a.m. local time in the hotel's restaurant area, impacting the 161-room, 12-story building and its 234 guests.
Many guests resorted to jumping from windows and using makeshift ropes made from bedsheets to escape the flames.
Governor of Bolu, Abdulaziz Aydın, confirmed that at least 51 individuals sustained injuries, with one in critical condition.
Among the casualties were two individuals who attempted to escape by jumping from the structure.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted the failure of the hotel's fire alarm system, which delayed evacuation efforts.
Firefighters, who arrived nearly an hour after the fire began, found much of the building engulfed in flames.
Questions have been raised regarding the safety protocols of the hotel, with investigations ongoing to ascertain the cause of the incident.
The fire has prompted condolences from various international figures and institutions.
Countries including Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Russia, and Greece, as well as the European Union, have extended their sympathies to Turkey.
President Erdoğan announced that flags would be flown at half-mast on official buildings within Turkey and at Turkish diplomatic missions abroad as a sign of respect for the victims.
Minister Yerlikaya noted emergency services' extensive response, involving 267 personnel, 30 fire trucks, and 28 ambulances.
The critical efforts are part of a broader investigation to understand the factors leading to the tragedy.
Governor Aydın confirmed that preliminary findings indicated the fire originated on the restaurant floor.
As Turkey reflects on this tragic event, President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable under the law should negligence be determined.
The President's statement reinforced national commitment to understanding the circumstances of the fire and ensuring justice for the victims.
The fire, which erupted in the early hours at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, claimed 76 lives, according to a statement by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
The blaze began around 3:30 a.m. local time in the hotel's restaurant area, impacting the 161-room, 12-story building and its 234 guests.
Many guests resorted to jumping from windows and using makeshift ropes made from bedsheets to escape the flames.
Governor of Bolu, Abdulaziz Aydın, confirmed that at least 51 individuals sustained injuries, with one in critical condition.
Among the casualties were two individuals who attempted to escape by jumping from the structure.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted the failure of the hotel's fire alarm system, which delayed evacuation efforts.
Firefighters, who arrived nearly an hour after the fire began, found much of the building engulfed in flames.
Questions have been raised regarding the safety protocols of the hotel, with investigations ongoing to ascertain the cause of the incident.
The fire has prompted condolences from various international figures and institutions.
Countries including Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Russia, and Greece, as well as the European Union, have extended their sympathies to Turkey.
President Erdoğan announced that flags would be flown at half-mast on official buildings within Turkey and at Turkish diplomatic missions abroad as a sign of respect for the victims.
Minister Yerlikaya noted emergency services' extensive response, involving 267 personnel, 30 fire trucks, and 28 ambulances.
The critical efforts are part of a broader investigation to understand the factors leading to the tragedy.
Governor Aydın confirmed that preliminary findings indicated the fire originated on the restaurant floor.
As Turkey reflects on this tragic event, President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable under the law should negligence be determined.
The President's statement reinforced national commitment to understanding the circumstances of the fire and ensuring justice for the victims.
