Bolu [Turkiye]: At least 66 people lost their lives, and 51 others were injured in a devastating fire that engulfed a hotel in Bolu, northern Turkey, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing local authorities.
The fire broke out around 00:27 GMT on Tuesday in the restaurant area of the hotel and rapidly spread throughout the building, according to Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin. Emergency teams, including firefighters, disaster response units, and medical teams supported by helicopters, were dispatched from neighboring cities to combat the blaze.
Authorities evacuated approximately 230 guests as the firefighting efforts continued. Governor Aydin noted that two victims died after jumping from the building in panic. “There were around 234 guests staying at the hotel,” he added, according to CNN.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences and closely monitored the situation. In a post on X, he stated, “I wish Allah’s mercy to our citizens who lost their lives … and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded.”
A judicial investigation has been launched by the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, with six prosecutors assigned and a five-member expert committee formed to probe the incident, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced.
Kartalkaya, where the hotel is located, is a renowned winter tourism destination in Turkey, drawing thousands of visitors during the ski season. Situated about 295 kilometers east of Istanbul, the resort is particularly popular during school holidays from January to early February, AA reported.
Videos circulating on social media and Turkish television showed flames engulfing the top floors of the hotel. In some footage, people were seen attempting to escape the fire using tied bed sheets.