Turkey hotel fire latest: At least 76 killed as guests jump from windows to escape flames at ski resort
A fire at a popular ski resort hotel in Turkey has killed at least 76 people as nine people were arrested, Turkey‘s interior minister said.
At least two people died after trying to jump to safety, with images on social media showing linen hanging from windows which was used by those trying to escape the burning building.
Ali Yerlikaya said at least 51 other people were injured in the disaster. Nine people, including the owner, have been arrested.
“People all started to jump with panic. One friend jumped from the 11th floor – may God have mercy on him,” said Omer Sakrak, a witness and employee of a neighbouring hotel.
“They tried to climb down using bedsheets. The bedsheets ripped and he unfortunately fell on his head. One father was yelling about his one year-old child: ‘I will throw my child or he will burn’,” he added.
The fire broke out at around 3.30am in the restaurant of the 12-storey Grand Kartal hotel in the resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu province, officials and reports said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
