Fatal Fire Engulfs Kartalkaya Ski Resort Hotel in Turkey, Claiming 10 Lives

By M Muzamil Shami - January 21, 2025

Turkey Ski Resort Hotel Fire Kills 10, Injures Dozens at Kartalkaya

Tragic Blaze at Grand Kartal Hotel Prompts Investigation into Cause of Fatal Incident

ISTANBUL, Turkey – A devastating fire ripped through the Grand Kartal Hotel, a popular destination at the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwestern Turkey, early Tuesday morning, resulting in 10 fatalities and injuring 32 others, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The tragic incident at the 12-story hotel, known for its distinctive wooden cladding, began at approximately 3:27 am (0027GMT), as confirmed by Minister Yerlikaya via social media platform X (formerly Twitter).   

Reports from private broadcaster NTV indicated that three individuals tragically lost their lives after jumping from the hotel windows in a desperate attempt to escape the rapidly spreading flames. The Kartalkaya ski resort, a favored winter getaway, is nestled atop a mountain range situated roughly 170 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Ankara, the Turkish capital.   

Preliminary information suggests the fire originated in the hotel restaurant around midnight, with the cause of the initial ignition currently under investigation by authorities. The blaze quickly escalated, engulfing a significant portion of the structure.

Television news footage depicted thick plumes of smoke rising dramatically against the backdrop of the snow-covered mountain, highlighting the intensity of the fire. The hotel’s location, with a section backing onto a cliff face, presented additional challenges for firefighters attempting to control the inferno.

Local news outlets reported that 237 guests were registered at the Grand Kartal Hotel at the time of the fire, with occupancy rates between 80% and 90% due to ongoing school holidays, making it a peak season. Evacuated guests were promptly provided with temporary accommodation in nearby hotels.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that six prosecutors have been assigned to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly fire at the Kartalkaya ski resort. High-ranking government officials, including the health, interior, and culture ministers, are expected to visit the site later in the day to assess the situation and oversee the ongoing efforts. The tragic incident at the popular ski destination has prompted a widespread response and focused attention on fire safety protocols at similar establishments throughout Turkey. The investigation aims to determine the precise cause of the fire and prevent future tragedies at Turkish ski resorts and hotels. The Kartalkaya fire tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety in hotels and resorts, especially during peak seasons. #KartalkayaFire #TurkeyHotelFire #SkiResortTragedy #HotelFireSafety #TurkeyNews #GrandKartalHotel #KartalkayaSkiResort #TurkeyTravel #WinterSportsTragedy.