Turkey declares day of mourning after deadly hotel fire claims 76 lives

Official X Account of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
Turkey has declared a national day of mourning following a devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort, which killed 76 people and injured at least 51.
The blaze erupted around 3:30 a.m. on the restaurant floor of the 12-story hotel and rapidly consumed the building, which was housing 234 guests, according to Anadolu Agency.
Firefighters battled the flames for 10 hours, with efforts complicated by the hotel’s position atop a steep slope. Survivors recounted scenes of terror, including some jumping from windows and others using tied bedsheets to escape. Two victims died in their attempts to leap to safety.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the detention of nine people, including the hotel owner, as investigations into the fire’s cause continue. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc emphasized the government’s commitment to accountability.
Kartalkaya, one of Turkey’s premier ski destinations, was at peak capacity due to January’s school holiday season. Despite possessing a fire safety certificate, the hotel is under scrutiny, with the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects citing insufficient safety measures.
Guests reported the absence of fire alarms and delays in emergency response. “People on the upper floors were screaming,” survivor Atakan Yelkovan told IHA news agency.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan interrupted a party congress speech to oversee the response and pledged a thorough investigation.
Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated the government had received no prior compliance warnings but acknowledged the significant loss of life as a glaring concern.