Heartbreaking Losses and Terrifying Escapes As visitors frantically tried to flee, witnesses recounted scenes of pandemonium and despair. A hotel worker told the IHA news agency,
“I saw a father with his baby in his arms asking for pillows so he could throw down his son,” CBS 19 reported. “Luckily he waited for the emergency services who saved them.”
The worker, who requested anonymity, described how two ladies on the upper level sadly died by jumping to their deaths. There were apparently several pupils on the floor.
Survivors described their escape in terrifying detail. Atakan Yelkovan, a guest, said that the smell of smoke startled him and his wife awake.
According to the AP, he informed IHA, “The alarm did not go off.” We attempted to get upstairs but were unable to do so due to the fire. We walked downstairs and came [outside].”
