Thurrock
Nub News Logo
Nub News

Family had to flee smoke-filled hotel and were shocked by lack of organisation and support

Local News by Nub News Reporter 31st May 2025  
advertisement

A THURROCK businesswoman and baker, whose family narrowly escaped a dangerous situation while on holiday in Turkey, has called on the government to do more to ensure the safety of holidaymakers abroad.

Bethany Wallace, who runs the Wallace Kitchen Bakery on Chadwell Hill, Chadwell St Mary, was recently on holiday with her family when they had to flee their hotel, which was full of smoke.

She says: "I was woken in the early hours of the morning by the strong smell of smoke. There were no smoke alarms, and our hotel room was quickly filling with thick smoke.

"I woke my husband, and together we got our children out of bed and made our way out of the smoke-filled building.

Bethany Wallace

"What was truly shocking was the complete lack of direction from staff. There were no fire alarms, no visible evacuation guidance, and we heard little to no sound from emergency services. We were left to save ourselves."

Bethany is calling on the government and travel agencies to ensure standards of safety in hotels and premises advertised to British holidaymakers are improved.

She adds: "I believe our story raises serious questions about hotel safety standards abroad, and how unprepared many places may be to deal with emergencies. We are incredibly lucky to be safe, but others might not be."

advertisement

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
thurrock vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: thurrock jobs

     

Good reason (not) to support local news.

Local News is essential for Thurrock's community.
So, what's the reason not to support local news?

Honest answer:
Not everyone can afford to pay for news.

That's why Thurrock Nub News does not have a paywall.
If you are not able to help at the moment -
continue to read us for free.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


advertisement

34% OFF

 Save  up to  63%  222 Bought PRICE DROP! Wingline Divan Bed & Mattress - 8 Colours - 2 or 4 Drawers Option View variant  Save  up to  34%  66 Bought Falcon Velvet Scatterback Sofa Range – Armchair, 2-Seater, 3-Seater & 3+2 Set | Plush Velvet Sofas for Modern Living Rooms View Selling fast! gemini_outpaint_variant_43944525  Save  69%  313 Bought PRICE DROP! Luxury Rio Divan Bed: Premium Memory Sprung Foam Mattress & Optional Storage Drawers - 6 Sizes & 10 Colours View Selling fast! variant  Save  75%  5404 Bought Crushed Velvet Divan Bed & Memory Sprung Mattress - 7 Colour Options View Selling fast! variant  Save  68%  549 Bought PRICE DROP! Plush Velvet Pure Wingback Upholstered Bed with Memory Foam Sprung Mattress View DMD Collective 20-Bar Espresso Coffee Machine with Digital Display and Milk Frother
Pull an espresso and a smile-it's café quality right at home! 20-Bar Espresso Coffee Maker with Frother
£89.99 £58.74

70% OFF

Kick back and defy gravity-comfort truly knows no bounds here! Zero Gravity Reclining Sun Lounger Chairs from Hirix International LTD
£199.99 £59.7

48% OFF

Luxury wine gift bundle from J&Y Global
It’s wine o’clock somewhere! Enjoy a luxurious collection perfect for any special occasion. with a luxury wine gift bundle from J&Y Global
£129.99 £67.08

Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide thurrock with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Thurrock. Your Borough. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience