The devastating fire that engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel at a popular Turkish ski resort on January 21, 2025, claimed at least 76 lives and left more than 50 injured. Atakan Yelkovan, a survivor of the inferno, shared his chilling account of the chaotic scene and his desperate escape from the burning building. His testimony paints a picture of panic, bravery, and the agonizing wait for rescue as flames rapidly consumed the 12-story hotel.
A Night of Terror: The Fire Breaks Out
Yelkovan, who was staying on the third floor with his wife, recounted the terrifying moments when the fire erupted. He told İhlas News Agency, in an interview shared by the Associated Press, that the first sign of danger was the smell of smoke. Alarmingly, the hotel’s fire alarm system failed to activate, leaving guests unaware of the imminent threat. “My wife smelled the burning. The alarm did not go off,” Yelkovan stated. As smoke thickened, they attempted to ascend to higher floors but were forced back by the intense heat and flames. Their only escape route was down, leading them out of the building and into the frigid night air.
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By the time Yelkovan and his wife escaped, the fourth and fifth floors were fully engulfed in flames. The horrifying screams of trapped guests echoed through the night. Yelkovan described witnessing desperate attempts to escape the inferno, with some people resorting to climbing down bedsheets from windows while others frantically searched for loved ones still trapped inside. The scene was one of utter chaos and despair.
Frantic Escape Attempts and Delayed Response
Yelkovan’s testimony highlights the sheer panic that gripped the hotel as the fire spread. He described seeing people jumping from windows, dangling precariously from makeshift ropes, and desperately trying to re-enter the building to rescue family and friends. Adding to the tragedy, Yelkovan claimed that the fire department took over an hour to arrive at the scene, a delay corroborated by Bolu governor Abdulaziz Aydin. The remote location of the hotel and the severe winter conditions hampered rescue efforts, contributing to the high death toll. Aydin confirmed that at least two victims perished after jumping from the building in a desperate attempt to escape the flames.
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Investigation and National Mourning
The aftermath of the fire brought forth investigations and a national day of mourning. According to Minister Ali Yerlikaya, over 230 guests were present in the hotel at the time of the fire. While the official cause of the fire remains under investigation, four individuals, including the hotel owner, have been arrested. Turkish Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç announced the arrests on social media, but further details have not been released. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared January 22 a national day of mourning to honor the victims of this devastating tragedy. The ski resort fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the devastating consequences when those measures fail.
FAQs: Turkey Ski Resort Fire
What caused the fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel?
The official cause is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest the fire may have originated in the hotel’s fourth-floor restaurant.
How many people died in the fire?
At least 76 people died in the fire, and more than 50 were injured.
Why did it take so long for firefighters to arrive?
The hotel’s remote location in the Bolu province’s Köroğlu Mountains and the freezing weather conditions significantly hampered rescue efforts, causing delays in the arrival of fire engines.
Have any arrests been made in connection with the fire?
Yes, four people have been arrested, including the hotel owner. The investigation is ongoing.
What actions has the Turkish government taken in response to the tragedy?
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared January 22 a national day of mourning in honor of the victims.
