A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in northwestern Turkey's Kartalkaya ski resort has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 76 fatalities and over 50 injuries reported. The incident occurred early on Tuesday, January 21st, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including the hotel owner, as announced by the Turkish Minister of Justice. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes of guests attempting desperate measures to escape the flames. Emergency services faced challenges due to the remote location and harsh weather conditions. This event has prompted a national day of mourning and a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster.

The fire erupted around 3:30 AM local time at the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel, situated in the Köroğlu Mountains of Bolu province. Reports indicate that the blaze originated in the restaurant area and rapidly spread throughout the building. Guests recounted terrifying moments as they tried to flee from the inferno. One employee shared a distressing account of a father seeking pillows to cushion his child's fall from a window. Another guest, Atakan Yelkovan, mentioned smelling smoke before discovering that the alarm had not sounded. People on higher floors were seen hanging sheets out of windows and some even attempted to jump to safety. The hotel was hosting more than 230 guests at the time of the incident.

Survivors provided vivid descriptions of the chaos that unfolded. Eylem Senturk managed to escape with her daughter but recounted how her husband had to leap from a window onto a safety roof. These personal stories highlight the panic and desperation experienced by those trapped inside the burning structure. The lack of timely alerts and the rapid spread of fire contributed significantly to the severity of the tragedy. Authorities are now focusing on understanding why the emergency systems failed and how the fire escalated so quickly.

The challenging terrain and severe weather conditions hindered the arrival of emergency responders. Despite these obstacles, nearly 270 personnel eventually reached the scene to assist in rescue operations. The Turkish government has declared Wednesday as a national day of mourning, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan vowed accountability for those responsible, emphasizing that the investigation is being conducted with utmost care. As details continue to emerge, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and ensuring justice for the deceased.