A fire erupted early Tuesday at the Grand Kartal hotel in Kartalkaya, a ski resort in northwestern Turkey, killing at least 10 people and hospitalizing 32 others. The fire started around 3:30 a.m. in the hotel's restaurant, and officials are currently investigating the cause.

Guests React in Panic

As the fire spread, panic ensued. Governor Abdulaziz Aydin confirmed that two people died after jumping from the building in fear. Additionally, some guests tried to escape by climbing down with sheets and blankets. At the time, the hotel was housing 234 guests.

Eyewitness Assists in Evacuation

Necmi Kepcetutan, a ski instructor, immediately rushed out of the building when he woke up to the fire. Subsequently, he helped around 20 guests evacuate. "I cannot reach some of my students. I hope they are OK," Kepcetutan shared with NTV television.

Investigation and Initial Findings

To lead the investigation, authorities have assigned six prosecutors. According to early reports, the wooden cladding on the hotel may have accelerated the fire's spread. Furthermore, TV footage revealed flames engulfing the roof and top floors of the building.

Challenging Rescue Efforts

Due to the hotel's cliffside location, rescue efforts were particularly challenging. Nevertheless, emergency crews dispatched 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances to the site. Moreover, other nearby hotels were evacuated as a precaution, and guests were relocated to accommodations in Bolu.

Incident During Peak Season

Kartalkaya, situated 300 kilometers east of Istanbul, is a popular ski resort. The fire occurred during the school semester break, a time when the resort was bustling with visitors.