At least 79 people died in a tragic hotel fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey on January 22, 2025. The blaze broke out in the early morning hours, trapping guests and workers inside the ski lodge located 180 miles east of Istanbul.
- Tragic fire at Grand Kartal Hotel
- Siblings trapped, pleaded for help
- At least 79 fatalities reported
- No fire alarms or escape routes found
- Lack of installed sprinkler system noted
- Incident occurred during winter vacation season
The fire erupted around 5:30 a.m., with guests reporting urgent pleas for help in a family WhatsApp group. A brother and sister trapped inside the lodge communicated their distress, stating, “We cannot reach our parents. There are no fire brigades.” Tragically, they and their parents were later confirmed dead.
Survivors described a chaotic scene as thick smoke filled the 12-story building, making escape nearly impossible. Many reported that they did not hear any fire alarms and struggled to locate fire escapes. A statement from a Turkish engineers union indicated that prior photos of the hotel showed no signs of a sprinkler system, which was mandated to have been installed years ago.
- 79 confirmed dead, including families and hotel staff.
- Fire broke out in the early hours of January 22.
- Guests reported no fire alarms and difficulty finding exits.
This incident has raised serious concerns regarding fire safety regulations in Turkey. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and to assess the hotel’s compliance with safety standards. The absence of a working sprinkler system and the lack of alarms have been highlighted as critical failures in ensuring guest safety.
The devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in hospitality venues. As investigations continue, the focus remains on preventing such tragedies in the future.
