In a devastating incident early Tuesday morning, a fire broke out at the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu Province, Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 66 people and leaving 51 injured.
The fire, which started around 3:30 AM local time, quickly engulfed the 11-story resort building. Panic ensued as trapped guests attempted to escape by creating makeshift ropes from tied bedsheets to climb down from the upper floors. Many resorted to jumping from windows, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.
Emergency responders faced significant challenges due to the resort’s location on a cliff, which hampered the fire brigade’s ability to access the site promptly. Delays in rescue operations compounded the tragic outcome, as flames rapidly spread through the structure.
Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Local officials expressed their condolences and assured the public that efforts are underway to determine the source of the blaze and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to initial reports from Turkey’s Daily Sabah newspaper, the resort’s location contributed to the difficulty in containing the fire and executing timely evacuations.
Survivors recounted harrowing scenes of chaos and desperation as guests scrambled to escape. “People were screaming and trying to climb down using whatever they could find. It was a nightmare,” said one survivor.
The stampede that followed the outbreak of the fire added to the casualties, with several guests sustaining injuries in the rush to exit the building.
The tragedy has drawn condolences from leaders and communities worldwide. The Turkish government has pledged full support to the victims and their families while launching an investigation into the incident.
Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased and reunite survivors with their families. Hospitals in the region are treating the injured, with local authorities coordinating support for those affected.