In a heartbreaking tragedy, a devastating fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a popular ski resort located in the Koroglu mountains of Bolu province, Turkey. The blaze, which occurred during the peak winter season when the hotel was filled with vacationers taking advantage of the two-week school holiday, led to the deaths of 76 people and left 51 others injured.

The fire broke out early on Tuesday morning at around 3:27 am and spread rapidly through the hotel, causing panic and chaos among the 238 registered guests. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the fire began in the hotel's restaurant section, which quickly engulfed the entire building. Eyewitnesses recounted a terrifying scene of panic, with many guests attempting to escape by climbing down sheets and blankets in a desperate attempt to flee the flames.

Among the victims, two people tragically died while attempting to escape by jumping from the hotel building. Guests who were caught off guard in their rooms struggled to make their way out as the fire spread quickly throughout the floors. The hotel became the center of chaos as people scrambled to find a way out while others were trapped inside.

Atakan Yelkovan, a guest who was staying on the third floor, shared his harrowing experience, telling IHA news agency, "There was chaos on the upper floors. People were trying to escape by climbing down with sheets and blankets. It was a nightmare."

In response to the devastating incident, the Turkey government has launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. Six prosecutors have been assigned to lead the inquiry, and as of now, nine people have been detained in connection with the blaze, including the hotel owner. The investigation is focused on determining how the fire started and if any safety protocols were neglected. The fire department responded promptly, starting operations at 4:15 am, nearly an hour after the fire was first reported.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a day of national mourning to be observed on Wednesday. Flags at government buildings and Turkish diplomatic missions abroad have been lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of the tragedy. Erdogan expressed his condolences, stating, "I wish Allah's mercy to our citizens who lost their lives ... and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded."

The fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel has shocked the nation, highlighting the critical need for rigorous safety measures in public spaces, particularly in buildings that accommodate large numbers of people. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the risks associated with crowded holiday destinations during peak seasons.

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