In brief
At least 10 fatalities and dozens injured have been confirmed following a devastating fire at a prominent ski resort in Turkey.
A tragic fire swept through the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu Province, Turkey, on Tuesday, resulting in the death of at least 10 individuals and injuring 32 others, local authorities reported. The incident occurred during the winter break, a popular time for families to enjoy winter sports and getaways.The fire erupted around 3:30 a.m. local time while many visitors were asleep. Eyewitness accounts reveal that some guests attempted to escape by tying bedsheets together to create makeshift ropes. Video footage captured the horrifying scene, with smoke pouring from the hotel set against a picturesque backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Emergency services acted swiftly, deploying numerous fire trucks and responders from nearby areas.Necmi Kepcetutan, a skiing instructor employed at the hotel, shared his experience with NTV, stating, "Once I left my room, I witnessed flames engulfing the fourth floor, the location of the restaurant." He bravely assisted several guests in escaping the inferno, despite the chaos and thick smoke that hindered rescue efforts. "There were people yelling for help; it was a devastating sight," he recounted. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as the community mourns the loss of life and extends condolences to the victims' families during this tragic incident.
