In brief
The recent inferno at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu Province has left at least 10 dead and 32 injured, marking a catastrophic event during the school holiday when families typically flock to the slopes.
On January 21, the fire erupted around 3:30 a.m., catching many occupants unaware as they slept. Reports indicate that in a desperate bid to escape the flames, some guests fashioned makeshift ropes from bedsheets to lower themselves to safety. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it resulted in thick smoke enveloping the hotel, situated in a picturesque mountainous region. Emergency services quickly mobilized, with fire trucks and rescuers arriving from neighboring towns to combat the blaze.Necmi Kepcetutan, a skiing instructor employed at the hotel, described the horrifying scene to a local news outlet. He recounted witnessing flames engulfing the restaurant on the fourth floor, which worsened rapidly, complicating evacuation efforts. Kepcetutan mentioned that they managed to help a number of guests escape, but the smoke was too overwhelming for others, leading to frantic cries for help amidst the chaos. The event has raised urgent concerns about safety protocols at tourist accommodations during peak travel times, as the community grapples with the loss and aftermath of the fire.
