A devastating fire broke out at a ski resort hotel in northwestern Turkey, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives and leaving 32 others injured. The incident occurred at a hotel located in the Kartalkaya resort in Bolu province during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:27 a.m. local time, as confirmed by Turkey's Interior Minister. Kartalkaya resort is a popular winter destination, particularly favored by holiday-makers, especially during the school holidays that span from January to the first week of February.
At the time of the fire, the hotel was accommodating around 234 guests, as stated by Governor Abdulaziz Aydin. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives after attempting to escape the flames by jumping from the building in a state of panic.
In response to the emergency, a total of 267 emergency personnel were swiftly mobilized to the scene by authorities, as reported by the Interior Minister. Distressing videos captured the intensity of the blaze, with flames engulfing the upper floors of the hotel. Some individuals were seen resorting to using tied bed sheets in desperate attempts to flee the fire.
The Turkish Interior, Tourism, and Health ministers are currently en route to the Kartalkaya resort to assess the situation firsthand. A press conference is expected to be held later today to provide further updates on the tragic incident.
