A devastating fire engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel at Turkey’s popular Kartalkaya ski resort early Tuesday, leaving 10 people dead and 32 others injured, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
The blaze broke out at 3:27am (0027 GMT) in the 12-storey hotel, which features wooden cladding, and quickly spread through the building. The cause of the fire remained unclear.
Private broadcaster NTV reported that at least three people died after jumping from the hotel’s windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames.
The Kartalkaya ski resort, located about 170 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Ankara, was at peak occupancy due to school holidays. Reports indicate that 237 guests were staying at the hotel at the time. Many were successfully evacuated and relocated to nearby hotels.
Television footage showed thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky against the backdrop of the snow capped mountain. Firefighters struggled to contain the flames, as part of the hotel backs onto a cliff, making access difficult.
Authorities believed the fire originated in the hotel’s restaurant around midnight, but further investigations were ongoing.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç announced that six prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the incident. Meanwhile, senior officials, including ministers of health, interior, and culture, were expected to visit the site later on Tuesday .
