Nine people, including a child, have died following a massive fire that engulfed a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata during the early hours of Wednesday. Six other individuals sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Tragedy Strikes Central Kolkata
The blaze, which erupted around 1:45 AM, quickly spread through the hotel, an ageing structure located on a crowded stretch of the city. Fire tenders, police personnel, and disaster management teams rapidly responded to the scene. Officials confirmed that several of the victims were Bangladeshi nationals who had traveled to Kolkata for medical treatment.
Rescue Efforts Amidst Dense Smoke
Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the dense smoke filling the building, making it difficult to access upper floors. Despite the arduous conditions, approximately 80 people were successfully evacuated from the premises. Many individuals lost consciousness after inhaling smoke and were rescued by emergency personnel.
Firefighting operations successfully brought the blaze under control, and a cooling process is now underway to ensure no rekindling. The West Bengal Fire Department headquarters, located close to the hotel, allowed for a swift emergency response.
Investigation Underway, Staff Detained
Police have initiated an investigation into the incident and have detained two hotel staff members for questioning. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the fire, including potential safety lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy. The exact cause of the blaze remains unclear at this time.
The deceased include six men, two women, and one child. The condition of the six injured individuals is not immediately known.