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Tragic Fire at Kartalkaya Ski Resort Claims 76 Lives, Injures 51 in Türkiye

Kartalkaya, January 22, 2025 – The Europe Today: A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya ski resort, located in northern Türkiye’s Bolu province, has claimed the lives of at least 76 people and left 51 others injured.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the toll on Tuesday, stating, “This morning, we tragically lost 76 lives and have 51 injured in a fire that broke out at this hotel in Bolu Kartalkaya. The fire has been extinguished, and cooling operations are currently underway.”

The fire erupted in the restaurant area of the 12-story hotel around 0027 GMT, quickly spreading throughout the building, according to Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin. Emergency response teams, including firefighters, disaster units, and medical personnel from neighboring cities, rushed to the scene, supported by helicopters. Approximately 230 guests were safely evacuated during the firefighting operations.

The Turkish Interior Ministry has appointed two chief inspectors to investigate the incident, while the Justice Ministry has tasked the Bolu Chief Prosecutor and five additional prosecutors with conducting on-site investigations alongside a team of experts. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc confirmed that a judicial investigation has been launched, with a six-prosecutor team and a five-person expert committee in place.

Kartalkaya, a premier winter tourism destination located 295 kilometers east of Istanbul, attracts thousands of visitors during the ski season.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been closely monitoring the situation, expressing his condolences in a post on X: “I wish Allah’s mercy to our citizens who lost their lives … and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded.”

Global leaders have also extended their condolences. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his sympathies, stating, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish nation, especially the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this accident & pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”

EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, currently in Türkiye, expressed solidarity, saying, “The EU stands in solidarity & offers support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.”

Cooling operations continue as Türkiye mourns the tragic loss of lives in one of its most beloved winter destinations.