A tragic fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the town of Kartalkaya in Bolu Province, Turkey, leading to the death of at least 10 people and injuring 32 others. The fire occurred during the winter break for schools, a time when families visit skiing resorts and other vacation spots.
The fire began at 3:30 a.m. local time while most guests were asleep, prompting dramatic attempts to evacuate. Some guests used bedsheets to create makeshift ropes and lower themselves to safety. Sadly, the cause of the fire remains unknown, with smoke billowing from the building against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
Necmi Kepcetutan, a skiing teacher at the hotel, described the harrowing scene, noting that he helped rescue around a dozen people but was unable to reach some due to intense smoke. Some individuals tragically lost their lives after jumping from the building in a bid to escape the flames.
Authorities reported that the victims included both guests and hotel staff. The governor of Bolu Province, Abdulaziz Aydin, confirmed the fatalities, emphasizing the challenging circumstances faced by those caught in the blaze.
The hotel fire highlights the devastating impact of such disasters, especially in popular tourist destinations during peak travel seasons. As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the community mourns the lives lost and hopes for a better understanding of how to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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