The first victims of the terrifying blaze at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey have been identified, marking a sorrowful chapter in what should have been a time of joy and relaxation.
Tragically, the number of lives claimed in this inferno has climbed to 76, with numerous others suffering injuries in Bolu province, a cherished destination for winter retreats.

Amid the casualties, the loss of a young 10-year-old swimming enthusiast and her mother profoundly touches our hearts. The flames also claimed the life of a talented chef from the hotel and a well-known businessman’s daughter who was holidaying with her teenage child.
While Turkish authorities diligently work to identify the remaining victims, the sorrow of the nation deepens, as all identified thus far are among their own.

The interior ministry reports that nine individuals, including the hotel owner, are in custody, suspected of playing roles in this devastating incident.
The ordeal for those trapped in the resort was nothing short of a nightmare. Faced with the quick-spreading flames and choking smoke, many guests saw no option but to leap from the windows in a desperate attempt to survive.

In the panic, guests jumped from floors as high as the 11th, a choice with tragic consequences for some, who succumbed to injuries from the fall.
Attempts to escape using bed sheets turned rudimentary escape ropes failed, adding to the chaos as the improvised strands snapped, further endangering those clinging on to hope for survival.