Sixty-six people have died and 51 others were injured after a devastating fire broke out at a ski resort hotel in northwestern Turkey.
The blaze erupted at the Grand Kartal hotel in the Kartalkaya resort, located in Bolu province, approximately 186 miles east of Istanbul.
The fire started in the hotel's restaurant section at around 3:30am local time this morning, with emergency services rushing to the scene as flames tore through the building.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the death toll, as rescue efforts continued at the popular winter destination.
The blaze erupted at the Grand Kartal hotel in the Kartalkaya resort, located in Bolu province, approximately 186 miles east of Istanbul
Reuters
Two of the victims died after jumping from the building "in a panic," Governor Abdulaziz Aydin told the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Some guests attempted to escape by climbing down from their rooms using sheets.
Television footage showed the roof and top floors of the hotel engulfed in flames, though the cause of the blaze remains unknown.
The hotel was at high occupancy during the school holidays which run until the first week of February, with 234 guests staying at the property.
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Some guests attempted to escape by climbing down from their rooms using sheets
Reuters
Turkish authorities mobilised a significant emergency response, with 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances dispatched to the scene.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said a total of 267 emergency personnel were involved in responding to the blaze.
Television footage captured plumes of smoke rising into the sky against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains.
Other hotels at Kartalkaya were also evacuated as a precaution
Television footage captured plumes of smoke rising into the sky against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains
Reuters
The resort is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, typically operating from December 20 to March 20.
