Bolu hotel fire blaze originated on hotel’s 4th floor, confirms fire department report
Fire brigades outside Grand Kartal Hotel, Bolu, Türkiye. Jan. 21, 2025. (AA Photo)
A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, a renowned ski resort in Turkish city of Bolu, claimed 78 lives. The fire, which broke out early Tuesday, has prompted an official investigation, with a report now revealed by the Turkish fire department.
According to the report, the fire originated in the kitchen/restaurant area on the hotel’s fourth floor.
Due to the presence of highly flammable materials like wood and plastic, the fire spread quickly, resulting in high temperatures and severe damage.
The fire department’s report confirmed that no intentional damage was found, but the exact cause will be evaluated by experts.
Findings and hotel’s inhabitability status
The report said that over 50 people were evacuated using a ladder vehicle, with many guests rescued from their rooms through windows.
The report also confirms that the hotel is now uninhabitable. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, focusing on identifying any safety failures or negligence that contributed to the disaster.
Meanwhile, despite an official inquiry into the number of casualties, the Bolu Provincial Health Directorate has yet to respond, the report said.
Kartalkaya in Bolu is one of Türkiye’s leading winter tourism destinations, attracting thousands of visitors during the ski season. The resort is located approximately 295 kilometers (183 miles) east of Istanbul.
