ANKARA, Turkey – In a tragic incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel located in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu province, a fire early on Tuesday morning claimed the lives of at least 79 individuals and injured over 51 others. As investigations unfold, Turkish authorities have detained a total of eleven people, including the hotel owner and key local officials, amid escalating concerns regarding fire safety protocols.

The fire reportedly ignited around 3:30 a.m. local time, swiftly engulfing the hotel, which hosted 234 registered guests during the peak winter tourism season. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes, with guests forced to jump from windows or scream for help as they faced a smoke-filled hell.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on Wednesday that among the deceased was Vedia Nil Apak, a 10-year-old swimmer, alongside her mother. Other victims included prominent locals and families that traveled to the resort for leisure. Only 56 out of the 79 deceased have been identified so far, and authorities are engaged in identifying the remains of the others through DNA tests.

The investigation into the cause of the fire has mobilized six prosecutors who are scrutinizing the hotel's safety measures. Reports suggest that vital fire alarms failed to activate during the blaze, adding to the outrage from the public. Survivors reported navigating dark, smoke-filled corridors, with no alarms to guide them to safety, prompting criticism of the hotel’s compliance with fire safety regulations.

The Turkish government has expressed deep sorrow over the disaster, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declaring a day of national mourning and pledging that those responsible for the negligence will face justice. “We are in mourning,” he stated, as flags were lowered to half-staff across the nation.

Witnesses recounted the chaos during the fire: “We were terrified. People were screaming… I couldn't look, it was so terrifying," said one hotel worker. Another rescue effort was hindered by the hotel’s precarious location on a cliff, complicating firefighting operations. Reports indicate that it took approximately ten hours to control the blaze.

The outpouring of condolences from across Turkey and international leaders has been overwhelming, reflecting the collective shock that such a tragedy could occur in a place meant for recreation. The Prime Minister has vowed comprehensive action to prevent such disasters in the future, calling for thorough reviews of fire safety practices in hospitality establishments.

The incident at Grand Kartal Hotel has led many in the public to question fire safety protocols not just in Turkey, but in vacation spots worldwide, emphasizing the need for stringent adherence to safety regulations. As Turkey mourns its lost, officials continue evaluating the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking event.

For further updates on this ongoing investigation, visit Reuters, Al Jazeera, SCMP, AP News, Independent, and LA Times.