In brief
A devastating fire erupted at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu, Turkey, around 03:27 local time, claiming the lives of ten individuals and injuring 32 others, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reports. Eyewitness accounts highlight that at least two victims perished while attempting to jump from windows. The fire reportedly began in the restaurant area on the fourth floor and rapidly spread. Despite emergency services deploying 267 responders, slow access due to harsh weather conditions delayed rescue efforts. With many guests still trapped, local authorities are conducting an investigation into the fire's cause, as guests said they had witnessed people crying for help amid the smoke.
The ski resort area, known for its heavy tourist influx during school breaks, witnessed frantic attempts to escape the flames. The local governor confirmed that nearby hotels were evacuated as a precaution, while a ski instructor shared harrowing details of rescuing guests amidst the chaos. As investigations proceed, questions linger surrounding the safety regulations in place at this popular destination.
