Hotel Fire at Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Resort: 10 Dead, 32 Injured

A fire at a hotel in the Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Resort has tragically resulted in the deaths of 10 people, with 32 others injured. The fire broke out around 03:30 AM in the restaurant area of the hotel, quickly spreading throughout the building.

The emergency situation was reported to the 112 Emergency Call Center, prompting the dispatch of numerous fire, AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority), UMKE (Medical Emergency Teams), and health teams from the city center, surrounding districts, and neighboring provinces, as well as helicopters.

Due to the mid-term school break, the hotel was fully booked, with 234 guests staying there. Many were caught by the fire in their sleep and were immediately evacuated.

Death and Injury Toll: Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the incident, stating, “At 03:27 AM, a fire was reported at a hotel in Kartalkaya Ski Resort. A total of 267 personnel from various public institutions have intervened, and efforts are ongoing.” He further added, “Unfortunately, the number of fatalities has reached 10, and 32 individuals have been injured. We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydın and Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan visited the scene to monitor the firefighting efforts.

Governor Aydın stated that the fire started in the restaurant section of the hotel, which has around 234 guests staying in it. Mayor Özcan explained that the fire was mostly under control, but some floors were still burning. The building is a mix of old and newer structures, with one part 13 stories high and another 8 stories tall.

Mayor Özcan also mentioned that the fire likely started from the kitchen, although an official report has not been provided by the fire department yet.

The hotel is primarily made of wood, which has worsened the scale of the disaster. A field hospital has been set up in the area.

The fire has been complicated by the fact that part of the hotel is located on a cliff, making it difficult for firefighters to access certain areas.

Authorities are investigating whether any negligence played a role in the fire. The area remains under close monitoring by law enforcement.