A tragic fire erupted early on January 21, 2025, at the Grand Kartal Hotel, located within the popular Kartalkaya ski resort, claiming the lives of at least 66 individuals and injuring dozens more. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 AM, when 238 guests were staying at the hotel, which was fully booked due to peak holiday season.
Videos shared on social media captured the horror as flames engulfed multiple floors of the hotel, sending guests scrambling for safety. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, including individuals attempting to escape through windows using bed sheets tied together. One eyewitness recalled, "I don't know how meaningful our efforts were... People died right before our eyes," illustrating the desperate measures taken by many to flee the inferno.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the rising death toll during his visit to the site, stating, "We are very disturbed" by the tragedy. His comments came as the fire was brought under control following extensive firefighting efforts. A total of 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances were deployed, though reports indicated the wooden façade of the hotel significantly accelerated the fire's spread. The governor of Bolu, Abdulaziz Aydin, mentioned, "The fire broke out on the fourth floor, where the restaurant was located. It quickly spread due to the wooden exterior. We had trouble extinguishing flames from all sides due to the building's slope."
Eyewitness accounts raised serious concerns about fire safety protocols at the hotel, with several survivors reporting there were no operational fire alarms. Atakan Yelkovan, who was staying on the third floor, stated, "The fire alarms did not work. My wife smelled the smoke, but the alarm never went off." Another survivor emphasized the perilous situation faced by guests, saying, "There were no emergency exits and no fire extinguishers. We had no idea how to get out until it was almost too late.”
Following the tragedy, the Turkish government mobilized to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. Authorities interrogated witnesses and began assessing safety measures at the hotel, where it was discovered recent inspections had not flagged any issues. "If there was negligence, it will be revealed during the investigation," Minister Yerlikaya stated, promising thorough inquiries to understand how such a disaster could occur.
On social media, videos showed guests trapped on upper floors shouting for help, with crowds below responding with cries of concern, asking, "Where is the fire department?" The delayed response from emergency services intensified fears, as Mayor Tanju Özcan remarked, "This area is hard to reach. The nearest fire department can arrive within 45 minutes." Official reports indicated it took nearly 48 minutes for first responders to reach the scene after the alarm was raised.
The ramifications of the fire extend beyond immediate losses, raising urgent questions about safety standards for hotels, especially during the busy winter holiday season. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences via social media, declaring, "I pray to God for mercy for our citizens who lost their lives." His remarks underlined the broader impact on the community and national consciousness as the country mourns this unprecedented tragedy.
Reacting to the devastating news, families of the victims and other members of the public are calling for accountability and change to prevent future tragedies. The government's commitment to review fire safety regulations across similar establishments is now under scrutiny as citizens demand stronger measures to protect against such disasters.
With investigations underway, local communities brace for heightened safety protocols as tourists continue to flock to the ski resort areas. The Kartalkaya ski region, once celebrated for its scenic beauty and action, now finds itself confronting the unsettling vulnerability of such winter havens. The search for answers and the need for safer environments is highlighted, as this tragic fire will undoubtedly be part of the conversation for years to come.