A devastating fire broke out at a hotel located on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata early Wednesday morning, leaving nine people dead, including two women and a child. The blaze, which originated on the second floor of the building, completely engulfed the area and blocked the primary exit route. Terrified occupants had to scramble to the rooftop to save their lives. Several Bangladeshi nationals visiting Kolkata for medical treatment were among those staying at the property when the disaster struck. Emergency teams comprising local police and firefighters launched a massive rescue operation, safely pulling out around 80 individuals from the premise, while nine victims discovered unconscious were rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared them dead.
Midnight Panic: Screams at 2:20 AM and Escalation to the Roof
The tragedy unfolded around 2:20 AM on Wednesday when sleeping guests were jolted awake by desperate screams and choking smoke filling the corridors. Chaos erupted throughout the multi-story structure as trapped occupants attempted to hurry downstairs to escape. However, they quickly realized that the fire had started on the second floor, where thick plumes of smoke and raging flames had blocked the staircase entirely. Finding no downward escape route, dozens of frightened guests rushed upward to the building's rooftop for safety. Among those caught in the nightmare were several Bangladeshi citizens who had traveled to Kolkata to seek medical treatment. Survivors recounted moments of sheer terror, describing how dense black smoke blinded them as they sought refuge on the roof while waiting for emergency responders.
Building Layout and Dangerous Window Escape Attempts
The fire occurred in an aging multi-story building situated at 15 Mirza Ghalib Street. According to local residents, the older structure accommodates approximately five to seven small hotels and guest houses operating within its premises. As flames swept through the second floor, blocking the central exit, some desperate occupants tried to climb out through windows located at the back of the building. In the frantic bid to escape the smoke and heat, one individual sustained severe injuries during the window exit attempt and was subsequently rushed for urgent medical care.
Fire Department and Police Rescue Operation
Upon receiving the emergency alert, a team from the New Market police station was the first to arrive at the scene. Recognizing the severity of the blaze, authorities immediately alerted the fire department and the electric supply utility CESC. Four fire tenders were dispatched from the Fire Brigade Headquarters and the Free School Street fire station to combat the inferno. Firefighters and police officers initiated a challenging rescue effort amidst heavy smoke and heat, managing to extract around 60 people who were trapped inside the hotel sections. However, during the search sweep, emergency workers located nine individuals lying unconscious, including two women and a child. All nine victims were transported to the Medical College and Hospital, where attending medical personnel declared them dead upon arrival.
Smoke Suffocation and State Response: Minister's Statement
West Bengal Minister Kaushik Chowdhury inspected the site and officially confirmed the death toll of nine individuals. He stated that the exact cause behind the outbreak of the fire remains under investigation. The minister emphasized that the situation became extremely grave due to intense heat and thick smoke filling the building, but prompt intervention by emergency services ensured that around 80 lives were saved overall. Preliminary findings indicate that most of the casualties occurred due to severe smoke inhalation and suffocation rather than direct burn injuries. Minister Kaushik Chowdhury declared that a thorough inquiry will be conducted, assuring that strict action will be taken against anyone found negligent or responsible for safety lapses. He also mentioned that the Chief Minister had personally contacted him to receive detailed updates regarding the incident and relief efforts.
Fire Safety Concerns and Official Audit
The deadly incident has ignited strong criticism from local residents regarding building maintenance and safety protocols. Community members alleged that the old building lacked adequate fire prevention systems, functional extinguishers, and emergency safety infrastructure. Concerns were also raised regarding the overall structural maintenance of the premises. Presently, police officials and fire department personnel are conducting a joint investigation to identify the origin of the fire. Authorities are expected to conduct comprehensive safety inspections and audit the fire compliance standards of the building and neighboring guest houses in the area.
