Agencies | Kolkota:
At least nine people, including a child, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel on Free School Street, also known as Mirza Ghalib Street, in central Kolkata early Wednesday, officials said.
The blaze erupted around 2 am, sending thick smoke through the hotel and trapping guests inside. According to the Fire Department, all nine victims were Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment.
Officials said the victims reportedly fell unconscious and suffocated after being overcome by dense smoke while they were asleep. Several other people were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit or an explosion involving an air-conditioning unit. However, the exact cause of the blaze has not yet been established and is expected to be determined through a detailed investigation.
Fire tenders and disaster management teams were rushed to the spot after the fire was reported. Firefighters faced considerable difficulty reaching the upper floors as dense smoke filled the staircase and severely restricted visibility.
A police officer said the flames had been brought under control and that cooling operations were underway. The officer said the immediate priority was to ensure that no one remained trapped inside the building and to establish the circumstances that led to the fire.
Visuals from the scene showed panic-stricken locals gathering outside the hotel as emergency personnel worked to rescue those trapped inside. The footage also showed extensive damage to the hotel premises following the blaze.
Authorities continued rescue and relief operations while further details regarding the victims, the condition of those injured and the exact cause of the fire were awaited.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness in hotels and other commercial establishments, particularly in densely populated areas of central Kolkata.
The situation remains under investigation, and further details are awaited.
