A devastating fire swept through a ski resort in Turkey, resulting in the deaths of at least 66 individuals and injuries to 51 others, as reported by local officials and cited by Reuters.

The incident took place at the Kartal Hotel in Bolu, according to local authorities.

Emergency services received a distress call at around 3:27 a.m., according to Turkey’s Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, who provided ongoing updates to the public via Facebook as the death count increased. He later mentioned that approximately 267 personnel responded to the emergency.

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç also shared on Facebook that the tragic fire claimed 66 lives and has profoundly affected the community.

Investigation into the fire launched

Tunç revealed that the Bolu Republic Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation, assigning six prosecutors to the case. A five-person committee has also been formed to further examine the incident.

He reported on Tuesday morning that four individuals, including the hotel’s owner, have been detained for questioning.

The Kartal Hotel has not yet released any statement regarding the incident.

Some victims reportedly leaped from windows in an attempt to escape

According to reports from Reuters, the fire originated on the restaurant level of the 12-story hotel. Eyewitness Baris Salgur stated that some guests jumped from windows to flee the flames.

Salgur told NTV that two women leapt from the top floor. Another guest recounted to Ekol TV that his family woke to find the hotel ablaze but had no recollection of hearing any fire alarms. They jumped from a lower floor into the snow outside, as reported by Reuters.

Minister Yerlikaya noted that fire crews began combating the blaze approximately 45 minutes after the initial emergency call was made.

Saleen Martin is a reporter from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin.