A devastating fire at a hotel in central Kolkata claimed the lives of nine Bangladeshi nationals and left six others injured in the early hours of Wednesday. The victims had reportedly travelled to the city for medical treatment, according to officials from the Fire Department.
The incident took place at Hotel Shikhali, where the blaze erupted at around 2 am. Several guests were reportedly trapped inside the premises as thick smoke spread through the building, making it difficult for people to escape.
Emergency teams were quickly deployed to the location after receiving information about the fire. Firefighters carried out rescue operations while simultaneously working to contain the flames. Several people were reportedly found unconscious after inhaling smoke and were subsequently taken to hospital.
Six injured after Kolkata hotel blaze
Six people who sustained injuries in the incident were rushed to a hospital for medical attention. Their condition was not immediately available.
Authorities have launched an investigation to establish how the fire started and determine whether any safety violations contributed to the tragedy.
Initial information suggests that an air-conditioner may have exploded, potentially triggering the blaze. However, officials have not yet established the exact cause, and a detailed inspection of the hotel premises is expected as part of the probe.
A case has also been registered against the hotel’s owner at New Market Police Station in connection with the incident.
Thick smoke creates rescue challenge
The heavy smoke inside the hotel reportedly created major difficulties for the firefighters attempting to reach guests trapped on the upper floors.
Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control after carrying out an extensive rescue and firefighting operation.
Hotel fire comes days after Tarapith tragedy
The Kolkata incident comes just days after another deadly hotel fire in West Bengal.
On August 17, a fire at Hotel Bideshini in Tarapith reportedly killed at least eight people, while several others were injured. The incident had raised concerns over fire safety arrangements at hotels and other establishments.
With the latest Kolkata tragedy also involving multiple fatalities, authorities are expected to examine the hotel’s fire-safety arrangements and establish whether adequate emergency measures were in place.
