Tragic Turkish Ski Resort Hotel Fire Claims 66 Lives: A Detailed Report

Understanding the Devastating Turkish Ski Resort Fire: Safety Tips for Travelers

A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya Ski Resort has resulted in at least 76 fatalities and 51 injuries.

The blaze erupted around 3:30 a.m. on January 21, 2025, originating on the restaurant floor of the 12-story hotel, which was accommodating 238 guests at the time.

Witnesses reported that the hotel’s fire detection system failed to activate, leading to chaos as guests attempted to escape. Some resorted to using bedsheets to descend from windows, while others tragically leaped from upper floors.

The hotel’s wooden cladding contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, complicating rescue efforts, especially given the hotel’s location near a cliff.

Emergency responders, including over 150 vehicles of firefighters and medical personnel, were dispatched to the scene. However, challenging weather conditions delayed their arrival. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu reported that one person remains in serious condition, with 17 individuals already discharged from the hospital.

In response to the tragedy, nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained for questioning. A team of six prosecutors and five experts has been assigned to investigate the incident.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared a day of national mourning and emphasized that all necessary steps will be taken to hold those responsible accountable.