In a catastrophic incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey's scenic Kartalkaya ski resort, a fire has claimed the lives of at least 79 people, while injuring over 51 others. The fiery disaster struck in the early hours of Tuesday morning during the peak winter tourist season when the hotel was filled to capacity, hosting 238 registered guests. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the rising death toll, indicating that the tragedy unfolded around 3:30 AM in the hotel's restaurant area.

Eyewitness accounts depict harrowing scenes of panic and chaos, with several hotel guests forced to jump from the upper floors in a desperate bid to escape the flames. According to survivors, the fire detection systems in place failed to operate, leaving many to rely on the alarm of smoke and flames to alert them to the danger. “People were screaming, the cries of children especially affected us,” recounted Esra Karakisa, an employee at a nearby hotel who witnessed the unfolding disaster Associated Press reported.

Initial investigations have led to the detention of eleven individuals, including the hotel's owner, as scrutiny intensifies over alleged lapses in safety protocols and building regulations. Survivors described the shockingly inadequate emergency response, claiming that it took 45 minutes for firefighters to arrive on the scene, hampered by the hotel’s precarious cliffside location. “It was like the apocalypse. The flames engulfed the hotel immediately,” said witness Mevlut Ozer, reflecting the devastation witnessed that night Los Angeles Times.

As investigations continue, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning, promising that those responsible for the catastrophe would be held accountable. “Our hearts are broken,” he stated, acknowledging the profound national grief felt due to the tragedy. The government has also appointed six prosecutors to thoroughly investigate the cause of the fire Reuters.

This devastating event underscores serious concerns regarding fire safety in hotels across Turkey, especially during a critical tourist season. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives, with victims ranging from families on vacation to young children enjoying their winter break Independent.