At least 66 dead and 50 injured in a ski hotel fire in Turkey

A ski resort hotel in Turkey has gone up in flames, leaving 66 dead and at least 50 injured according to initial reports. The resort is located in Kartalkaya, in the Koroglu Mountains of Bolu province.

The 12-storey building was constructed mainly of wood. "The death toll in the hotel fire rose to sixty-six. Fifty-one people were injured, of whom one is in serious condition," Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.

This Tuesday, authorities confirmed that the fire was out and under control. The fire is believed to have originated in the restaurant and spread rapidly, although the cause was not yet clearly determined.

Part of the building against a cliff, which made it difficult for firefighters to control the flames for several hours. Some 238 guests were checked in tonight, at peak occupancy season due to the two-week school vacations.

Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu said at least one of the injured was in serious condition, while 17 others had been discharged after treatment. The fire broke out at around 3:30 local time in the catering section of the hotel, according to reports. The government appointed six prosecutors to lead the investigation into the fire.

At least two of the victims died after jumping out of the building in panic, Governor Abdulaziz Aydin told state-run Anadolu Agency earlier. Private NTV television and other media reported that some people tried to descend from their rooms using sheets and blankets.