680 holiday guests evacuated during Turkish hotel fire

A large fire which tore through the five-star Grand Yazici Club Marmaris Palace in Turkey led to the evacuation of all 680 guests and sent six people to the hospital for smoke inhalation. 

Many of the holidaymakers at the hotel have recalled waking up in the middle of the night to the strong smell of smoke with some even being trapped on their hotel room balconies for hours with no exit route. 

Guests have shared their experiences on the night of the fire, including Welsh couple Cherie and Sean who described the ordeal as being like “Armageddon”.

Digby Brown has been contacted by numerous guests to investigate their potential claims.

The fire, which is believed to have originated from the boiler room of the hotel, comes just a few months after another fire at a Turkish ski resort in which 78 people died and a further 51 were injured. 

This has caused many to question the health and safety of the hotels abroad – and whether they should be spending their hard-earned money on a holiday that could put them at risk. 

Turkish authorities have stepped up following the horrific fire at the ski resort, increasing inspections across hotels with a focus on fire safety. However these inspections have revealed a further licensing issue which will now lead to the closure of over 4000 hotels ahead of the upcoming holiday season.

This disruption has caught lots of travellers by surprise, many arriving for package holidays only to find their hotels closed without warning due to serious health and safety concerns. 

Stephen Duff, Senior Associate, is currently investigating claims relating to the hotel fire and said: “As part of our specialist Foreign and Travel law department at Digby Brown Solicitors I am currently supporting several people affected by the recent fire at the Grand Yazici Club Marmaris Palace, Turkey on the 4th of April 2025.

“Whilst investigations are still in their early stages, we understand the fire caused the evacuation of some 680 guests - this must have been incredibly distressing for those involved.

“Understandably, both physical and psychological injuries have been sustained by guests affected by the fire. Our team is committed to ensuring those affected get our full assistance and support should they wish to make a claim for compensation.”

Digby Brown’s Foreign and Travel team is unrivalled in Scotland and has decades of experience helping people with claims abroad. 

Learn more about how our specialist team could help with your accident abroad claim by calling 0333 200 5925 or fill in our brief enquiry form.