A deadly fire broke out at a hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey, on Tuesday, killing at least 10 people and injuring 32 others. The fire began overnight in the hotel’s restaurant in the Kartalkaya resort, located in Bolu province. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the incident. As the fire spread rapidly, panic set in among the guests.
Panic and Jumping from the Building
Governor Abdulaziz Aydin reported that two victims died after jumping out of the building in a panic. Additionally, some people tried climbing down using sheets to escape the flames. At the time of the fire, there were 234 guests staying at the hotel.
Ski Instructor Helps Guests Escape
Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor at the hotel, was asleep when the fire started. However, he quickly rushed out of the building and helped around 20 guests escape. He mentioned that the hotel was filled with smoke, making it difficult for guests to find the fire escape. “I cannot reach some of my students. I hope they are OK,” Kepcetutan said.
Hotel Roof and Top Floors Engulfed in Flames
Television footage showed flames spreading to the hotel’s roof and top floors. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, NTV suggested that the wooden exterior cladding may have accelerated the spread of the fire.
Resort Area Evacuated for Safety
Kartalkaya, located 300 kilometers east of Istanbul, is a popular ski resort. The fire occurred during the school semester break, a time when the resort is typically packed with guests. In response, authorities sent 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances to the site. Furthermore, other hotels in the area were evacuated as a precaution.