At least nine people have died following a fire that broke out at a hotel in Kolkata, India, during the night. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, local police reported that the blaze originated on the second floor of the building.
Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control within approximately one hour. During the emergency operation, nearly 30 individuals present in the hotel were safely evacuated.
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial assessments suggest a short circuit in the electrical wiring may have triggered the incident. In addition to the nine fatalities, which include at least one child, six individuals sustained injuries and have been hospitalized for treatment.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the nationalities of the victims. The "ANI" news agency, citing fire department sources, reported that some of the deceased were Bangladeshi nationals visiting Kolkata for medical treatment. Conversely, "NDTV" claimed that all victims were Bangladeshi citizens. However, a senior police official speaking to "Reuters" stated that the nationalities of the deceased have not yet been officially confirmed.
The hotel where the incident occurred is situated in a densely populated area in the center of Kolkata and is primarily known as a budget-friendly accommodation option. Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation, including forensic examinations, to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Kolkata, the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, is a major commercial and cultural hub. The city frequently faces challenges related to fire safety in older, densely packed urban structures, leading to periodic government reviews of building codes and safety regulations in the hospitality sector.
