A devastating fire erupted at the Grand Kartal Hotel, a popular ski resort in northern Turkey, on January 21, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 76 lives. The hotel was bustling with winter holiday guests when the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning.
Türkiye’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the increased death toll, stating, “Unfortunately, the number of dead is now 76.” He noted that 52 of the deceased have been identified, while forensic experts continue their efforts to determine the identities of the remaining victims. The bodies have been returned to their families, as reported by the minister.
The incident also left 51 individuals injured. At the time of the fire, the hotel was accommodating 238 guests, situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level.
This tragedy struck during peak season, coinciding with the two-week winter break that began just days before the fire, leading to a nearly full hotel.
In a major development, nine arrests have been made in connection with the fire, up from an initial four. The hotel owner is among those detained as investigators look into the cause of the blaze, possible negligence, and accountability.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have originated in the hotel’s restaurant before rapidly spreading throughout the premises, which was adorned with wooden cladding. However, the official cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed.
