A Turkish ski resort fire at the Kartalkaya Ski Resort has claimed the lives of 76 people and left 51 others injured, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on Tuesday. The tragedy occurred in the early hours when a blaze engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel, home to 238 registered guests at the time. Most victims, including children, lost their lives due to suffocation caused by the fire.
Investigation Underway into Fire Safety
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the Turkish ski resort fire, detaining nine individuals connected to the incident. Yerlikaya revealed that while fire safety concerns had not been previously reported at the hotel, investigators are now scrutinizing all aspects of the tragedy. “We are in deep pain,” Yerlikaya stated during a press conference, vowing accountability for those responsible.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan echoed these sentiments, confirming that both administrative and criminal inquiries are in progress. He pledged to uncover the full truth and ensure justice for the victims. Erdoğan also declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday to honor the lives lost.
Fire Details and Emergency Response
The fire broke out around 3:27 a.m. local time at the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel. Rescue operations were complicated by the timing of the blaze, as most guests were asleep. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the scale of the incident posed significant challenges.
A city official reported that many fatalities occurred because the victims were unable to evacuate in time. Survivors and officials have raised concerns about fire prevention measures at the hotel, prompting discussions about stricter regulations for hospitality establishments in Turkey.
National and Global Impact
The Turkish ski resort fire has drawn attention both nationally and internationally, highlighting the need for improved fire safety standards in high-occupancy facilities. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of lapses in safety measures.
As the nation mourns, Turkey faces growing calls for reform to prevent similar incidents in the future. This devastating event not only affects the victims and their families but also underscores the importance of prioritizing public safety in large-scale facilities.
