A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Kartalkaya ski resort claimed the lives of 78 people on January 22, 2025. Witnesses reported that fire alarms were not activated, and firefighters took nearly 45 minutes to arrive after the blaze started around 03:27 local time.
- 78 fatalities at Grand Kartal Hotel fire
- No fire alarms heard by guests
- Delayed response from firefighters noted
- Hotel's fire safety certification questioned
- Survivors reported inadequate fire safety measures
- Investigation leads to detention of hotel owner
The Grand Kartal Hotel, a 12-storey establishment, was hosting 238 guests at the time of the fire. Survivors described a chaotic scene, with some smelling smoke up to an hour before the alarm was triggered. Reports indicate that the hotel had a fire competence certificate, but local officials have disputed its validity, claiming no positive inspections have occurred since 2007.
Key details surrounding the incident include:
- The fire reportedly began in the restaurant area on the fourth floor.
- Survivors claimed that no alarms sounded, and some guests attempted to escape by jumping from higher floors.
- Eleven individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
Experts have criticized the hotel’s fire safety protocols, noting that effective systems should alert occupants within seconds and facilitate a quick evacuation. The absence of a functioning sprinkler system and inadequate fire escape routes have been highlighted as critical failures. The Turkish Fire Protection and Education Foundation stated that the fire’s rapid spread suggested a lack of proper fire detection and extinguishing systems.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the hotel’s compliance with fire safety regulations and the adequacy of inspections conducted by relevant authorities. The tragedy has sparked discussions about the need for stricter enforcement of safety standards in older buildings, particularly those accommodating large numbers of guests.
This incident underscores the importance of robust fire safety measures in public buildings. As the investigation unfolds, it may lead to significant changes in regulations and enforcement practices to prevent future tragedies.
