“Desperate Escape Attempts Amid Deadly Blaze at Grand Kartal Hotel”
January 21, 2025: Istanbul: A devastating fire engulfed the 12-storey Grand Kartal hotel at the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwestern Turkey, killing 66 people and injuring 51 others early Tuesday morning. Guests were seen desperately trying to escape, with some reportedly using ropes and bedsheets or jumping from windows to safety.
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“Details of the Incident”
The fire broke out at 3:27 am (0027 GMT) in the wooden-clad hotel during a peak period with 238 registered guests, coinciding with Turkey’s two-week school holiday. Witnesses described chaos as flames rapidly spread, reportedly starting in the hotel’s restaurant. Part of the hotel’s structure, located against a cliff, complicated firefighting efforts.
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“Government Response and Investigations”
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed grief, saying, “Our pain is great.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cut short a public address to announce administrative and judicial investigations into the cause of the fire. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc confirmed the allocation of six prosecutors to probe the incident.
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“Survivors Describe Chaos and Lack of Safety Measures”
Survivors criticized the lack of fire safety measures at the hotel. One survivor said no alarms rang, and there were no smoke detectors or sufficient fire stairs. While Tourism Minister Nuri Ersoy stated that the hotel had two fire escapes, footage showed bedsheets tied and hanging from windows, indicating attempts to escape.
Baris Salgur, an employee at a nearby hotel, described the horrifying moments, “Residents were shouting for help, asking for blankets and ropes to jump. Flames forced some to throw themselves out.”
“Aftermath and Ongoing Efforts”
Evacuated guests have been relocated to nearby hotels, while local authorities continue to investigate the blaze. Officials warned that the building is at risk of collapse. Meanwhile, the justice system has promised accountability for any negligence contributing to the tragedy.
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