A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Bolu Mountains claimed the lives of at least 66 people on Tuesday.
The tragic incident took place in Bolu, a pretty tourist destination known for its dense forests, rivers, beaches, and breathtaking views of the Black Sea.
According to initial reports, the fire broke out around midnight on the restaurant floor of the multi-story hotel.
Shockingly, dozens of tourists jumped from windows, while some tied bed sheets together to climb down from the upper floors. Due to midnight, many guests were sleeping and it further caused chaos among hotel management.
Local authorities revealed that more than 230 guests stayed at the hotel during the incident. After several hours of intense efforts, firefighters managed to bring the inferno under control, although the building was still engulfed in thick smoke.
Officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and announced the appointment of two chief inspectors to investigate the cause of the fire.
The tragedy occurred during a busy season, as many families from Istanbul and Ankara had traveled to the mountain region for school holidays. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
