ANKARA: Several people were killed after a fire broke out at a ski resort in the mountainous region of Bolu province in Turkey. The incident occurred at the Grand Kartal Hotel, a 12-story building, at around 3:30 a.m. Due to the winter season, the resort was crowded with many tourists, which exacerbated the tragedy. The fire resulted in the death of 66 people and left around 50 injured. The blaze is reported to have started in the restaurant section of the building. Many of the victims were asleep at the time of the incident. Some people woke up and, unable to escape due to thick black smoke and flames, reportedly used bedsheets to climb down from windows.

According to reports, 234 people were present at the resort at the time of the disaster. Videos and images of the hotel engulfed in flames and suffering extensive damage have surfaced. Firefighters arrived at the scene immediately after the incident and began rescue operations, but by then, many had already lost their lives. A total of 267 firefighters worked to extinguish the fire. Reports indicate that among the 50 injured, many sustained severe burns or life-threatening injuries.