Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Hotel Claims 66 Lives, Injures 51

A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya Ski Resort, Turkey, has resulted in 66 fatalities and 51 injuries, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The blaze erupted around 3:30 a.m. local time, rapidly engulfing the 11-story hotel, which was hosting 234 guests during the school holiday peak season. Emergency services, including over 250 responders, battled the fire for more than 10 hours but were unable to prevent the tragic loss of life. Officials are investigating the cause of the fire, which reportedly started on the fourth floor, potentially linked to electrical faults or safety violations. High-ranking officials have visited the site to oversee response efforts and offer condolences to victims' families. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has promised a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.