Turkey – A devastating fire at a popular ski resort in eastern Turkey has claimed the lives of at least 66 people, authorities confirmed. The tragedy unfolded late Tuesday night as flames rapidly engulfed the multi-story hotel, forcing panicked guests to jump from windows to escape the blaze.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as smoke filled the building and fire alarms blared. Many guests were trapped on upper floors, resorting to desperate measures to survive. Rescue workers struggled to contain the flames as strong winds fanned the fire.
“We heard people screaming for help,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident. “It was heartbreaking to see them jumping from such heights.”
Initial investigations suggest the fire may have started in the hotel’s kitchen before spreading through the wooden interiors of the decades-old structure. Authorities are investigating whether the resort complied with fire safety regulations.
Emergency services managed to rescue dozens of guests, but many succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire or from jumping out of windows. Over 40 people remain hospitalized, some in critical condition.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief across Turkey, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressing condolences to the victims’ families and pledging a thorough investigation.
This marks one of the deadliest fire incidents in the country’s history, raising serious concerns about safety standards in popular tourist destinations.
