Turkey: At least 76 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating fire that destroyed the Grand Kartal Hotel, a popular Turkish ski resort in the Bolu mountains. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours on 21st January during a peak holiday period, has left the nation in mourning.
The fire commenced at 03:27 local time (00:27 GMT) in the hotel’s restaurant on the fourth floor before spreading to the wooden-clad upper levels of the 12-story building. Over 230 guests were staying at the resort, many of whom were entrapped as the flames consumed the structure. Some victims were compelled to jump from windows in desperate attempts to escape.
Initial reports of 10 fatalities quickly rose to 76, according to Turkey’s interior ministry. Among the victims were children and families, including 10-year-old swimmer Vedia Nil Apak and her mother, Ferda, as well as Nedim Turkmen, a writer for Sozcu newspaper, and his wife and children.
Bolu Kartalkaya’da bir otelde çıkan yangında vefat eden kardeşlerimizin yakınlarının acısını paylaşmak amacıyla 1 günlük millî yas ilan edilmiştir.…
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) January 21, 2025
The Turkish justice minister announced the detention of nine individuals, including the hotel’s owner, as prosecutors investigated the tragedy. Emergency services deployed 267 workers to the site, but freezing weather and the remote location delayed fire engines by over an hour. The fire raged for 12 hours before being extinguished.
Of the 51 injured, one remains in intensive care while 17 others have been discharged. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with some using bed linens to climb down from windows. Ski instructor Necmi Kepcetutan, who ran from the second floor, recounted helping with rescue efforts. Necmi Kepcetutan stated that, “I managed to get out through the ski room.”
Authorities are investigating whether negligence played a role. Although the hotel passed inspections in 2024, the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) underscored the absence of an automatic sprinkler system, which has been mandatory since 2008.
TMMOB also noted that fire detection and warning systems failed, leaving guests unaware of evacuation routes. Survivors reported confusion and difficulty escaping the building. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed accountability, stating that, “Those responsible for negligence leading to the fire will be held accountable.”
A day of national mourning has been announced, with flags flown at half-mast. The ski resort, located 170 km from Ankara, attracts visitors from across Turkey.
The tragedy has drawn condolences from around the world. Former UK ambassador to Turkey Sir Peter Westmacott called the loss “devastating news for those of us who care about Turkey.” This tragedy has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a festive holiday season, leaving families and communities to grapple with unimaginable loss.
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