66 Lives Lost in Fire at Turkey's Ski Resort Hotel, Panic-Induced Jumping Reported
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Synopsis
A devastating fire at a hotel in Turkey's Bolu province has resulted in at least 66 fatalities and over 51 injuries. The incident occurred at the Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Resort, prompting a judicial investigation as authorities work to uncover the cause.
Key Takeaways
- 66 fatalities recorded
- Over 51 injured
- Fire broke out at Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Resort
- Panic led to victims jumping from the hotel
- Judicial investigation initiated
Ankara, Jan 21 (NationPress) At least 66 individuals have lost their lives and over 51 others have sustained injuries due to a fire that broke out at a hotel in Turkey's northwestern Bolu province on Tuesday.
Local officials reported that the blaze ignited on the restaurant floor of a hotel located in the Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Resort shortly after midnight.
Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin noted that some victims perished after jumping from the building in a state of panic.
He indicated that the cause of the fire, which erupted around 3:30 am local time (0030 GMT), is still under investigation, and the flames quickly spread throughout the hotel situated atop the Koroglu Mountains.
Upon receiving the emergency call, fire crews, search-and-rescue units, and medical personnel were sent from the city center, surrounding districts, and nearby regions.
Turkey's Anadolu Agency reported that authorities successfully evacuated approximately 230 guests from the hotel while firefighting efforts were underway.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that a judicial investigation has been launched by the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, with six prosecutors appointed and a five-member expert committee established.
Kartalkaya, located in Bolu province, is one of Turkey’s top winter tourism spots, drawing thousands of visitors during the ski season.
The hotel’s website states it has been a premier destination for Turkish skiers since 1978, offering direct access to 23 slopes that total 20km in length.
Bolu serves as the administrative center of Bolu Province and District, positioned on the highway connecting Istanbul and Ankara.
Situated atop the Koroglu Mountains, the ski and mountain hotel is 38 km from Bolu city center and 180 km from both Ankara and Istanbul, covering an area of 60,000 square metres.
