Deadly Fire at Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya Ski Resort Claims 76 Lives, 51 Injured; Turkey Declares National Mourning

Jan 22, 2025, 11:20 AM

A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Turkey's Bolu province has resulted in at least 76 deaths and 51 injuries. The fire, which started early on January 21, 2025, is one of the deadliest incidents of its kind in recent years. The blaze began in the restaurant section of the 12-story hotel, spreading rapidly due to the wooden cladding on the building's exterior. Efforts to rescue the 238 registered guests were hampered by the hotel's cliffside location. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a day of national mourning on January 22, and flags were lowered to half-mast across the country. An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched, with six prosecutors assigned to the case. Nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation. So far, 45 of the victims' bodies have been identified. The fire has led to widespread condolences from world leaders and governments, including those from China, Germany, Ukraine, and various African nations.