A fire has killed at least 76 people and injured another 51 after engulfing a ski resort in Türkiye's Bolu mountains.
The fire broke out at the 12-storey Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya at 3:27 local time (12:27 am GMT), where 238 guests were reportedly staying during a busy holiday period.
Ali Yerlikaya, Turkish Interior Minister said 45 of the dead have been identified while efforts to identify the other victims were continuing.
“We are in deep pain,” said Yerlikaya.
Turkish health minister, Kemal Memişoğlu, also said at least one of the people injured was in a serious condition and that 17 others had been discharged from hospital.
The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed by authorities, however, initial reports have suggested that it began on the fourth floor of the hotel in the restaurant.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç, said on X, four people, including the hotel owner, have been detained over the incident as a part of the investigation.
Yerlikaya added, that prosecutors will shed light on the cause of the fire and those responsible will be brought to justice.
Reuters reported witnesses describing the scene as “apocalyptic”, with people jumping from windows to escape the flames.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a day of national mourning to be held on Wednesday.
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