A catastrophic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, northern Turkey, has claimed the lives of at least 76 individuals, including families vacationing during the peak winter season. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours on January 21, prompting panic as the blaze ripped through the hotel around 3:30 AM local time, sending thick smoke into the air and creating chaos among the guests.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the death toll, stating, "Unfortunately the number of dead is now 76," with investigations ongoing to identify the remaining victims according to Le Monde. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes of desperation, with some guests leaping from windows or using bedsheets as makeshift ropes to escape the flames. One survivor, Eylem Senturk, recounted how she and her daughter fled despite the thick black smoke, while her husband jumped to safety after getting stuck.

Among those confirmed dead were a journalist and his family, highlighting the devastating personal losses endured during the disaster. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered a national day of mourning for the victims, and promised that perpetrators will be "held to account." Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Nuri Ersoy noted that the hotel had undergone a safety inspection in 2024 and had two fire escapes, but survivors reported a shocking absence of fire alarms and safety systems throughout the building.

The fire is believed to have started in the hotel's restaurant and quickly spread, exacerbated by the hotel's wooden cladding. Following the fire, nine people were arrested as part of an investigation into potential negligence relating to safety protocols, with among those detained being the hotel owner as reported by Le Monde.

As Turkey grieves, condolences and support have poured in from global leaders including EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The emergency response efforts have highlighted the critical need for stringent safety regulations within the hospitality sector as the country reassesses its commitment to guest security and fire safety preparedness.