Türkiye: Fire at Ski Resort Leaves 66 Dead, Several Injured

Why It Matters:

Türkiye's economy is heavily driven by its tourism sector, which is a significant source of revenue and employment. Resorts like the one that had been ablazed are at the heart of this industry, offering tourists luxurious getaways and contributing to local economies.

The Big Picture:

The resort is a popular destination for holidaymakers during the winter, particularly at the time of school holidays, which begin in January and end in the first week of February, the report said.

Governor Abdulaziz Aydin said that there were around 234 guests staying at the hotel, CNN reported, citing Anadolu Agency. Aydin said that two of the victims died after jumping out of the building "in panic."

Key Points: 

• At least 66 people lost their lives and over 50 people were injured in a horrific fire at a ski resort hotel in Turkey’s Bolu mountains early on Tuesday morning.

• Several videos, some posted on social media platforms and others broadcast by Turkish TV channels, showed flames coming out of the top floors of the hotel. In the video, some people tried to use tied bed sheets to escape the blaze.

• The blaze started around 3:30 am local time on the restaurant floor of the 11-storey Grand Kartal Hotel at the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwest Turkey.

What He Is Saying: 

Health minister Kemal Memisoglu confirmed the death toll and reported that at least 51 people were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, many with severe burns and injuries.

Go Deeper: The recent incident of the resort being ablazed highlights the vulnerability of such destinations to natural disasters, raising concerns about the long-term stability of Türkiye's tourism-driven economy.