A surge of ten thousand unexpected day-trippers overwhelmed the Italian ski resort of Roccaraso after viral social media posts promoted the area’s heavy snowfall. Influencer Rita De Crescenzo’s videos encouraged budget tour companies to offer cheap bus trips, drawing massive crowds. On 27 January, 220 tour buses and countless cars clogged the narrow roads, frustrating local residents and causing safety concerns. Chaos ensued on the slopes as visitors disregarded ski etiquette, used makeshift sleds like saucepans, and even lit barbecues. Authorities have since introduced crowd-control measures, including bus restrictions. Roccaraso’s mayor, describing the situation as ‘hellish’, fears that an even larger influx could arrive next weekend. Officials are now working with law enforcement to manage future crowds and prevent similar disruptions.

A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort has killed at least 76 people, marking one of the country’s deadliest hotel fires. Survivors reported that fire alarms failed to activate, and experts suggested that inadequate fire safety measures contributed to the high death toll. The fire, which began in the restaurant area, spread rapidly, forcing some guests to jump to their deaths. Discrepancies emerged regarding the hotel’s fire safety certification, with officials noting the absence of adequate fire escapes, alarms, and suppression systems. Nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained as part of the investigation. Experts said that properly designed fire safety systems and escape routes could have mitigated the tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate claims of negligence and systemic failures, as questions grow over how such a disaster occurred in a major resort.