A tragic late-night fire erupted inside a hotel located on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata, resulting in the deaths of nine people. The victims included six men, two women, and one child who suffered severe burns and suffocation. Located near the bustling New Market precinct, one of the most densely populated and busy commercial areas in the city, the hotel premises turned into a scene of panic shortly after 2 AM when flames quickly engulfed the structure.
Medical Visitors from Bangladesh Among Victims
A majority of the guests staying at the multi-story hotel were residents from the border regions of Bangladesh who had traveled to Kolkata seeking specialized medical treatment. They were lodging inside the G+4 building when the blaze caught them unprepared while asleep. Toxic smoke rapidly spread through the hallways and rooms, causing multiple individuals to lose consciousness inside their accommodations before they could evacuate to safety.
Emergency Evacuation and Firefighting Efforts
Fire brigade units responded promptly to the emergency, launching an intensive rescue mission after 3 AM. Rescuers managed to extract nine individuals in critical condition from the building and immediately rushed them to Calcutta Medical College Hospital. However, attending physicians declared all nine people dead upon arrival. Firefighters worked relentlessly for at least two hours before bringing the blaze under complete control. Emergency crews successfully evacuated approximately 60 occupants from the building without any injuries, while six other individuals sustained injuries and were hospitalized for treatment.
AC Explosion Suspected Amid Fire Safety Violations
According to sources within the fire brigade, an air conditioner unit explosion is suspected to have triggered the inferno, though the definitive cause remains under investigation. The incident has also raised serious questions regarding compliance with fire safety norms. Fire department sources pointed out that the hotel lacked basic fire-fighting equipment and emergency mitigation systems. Authorities are conducting further inspections to determine accountability while medical care continues for those injured in the catastrophe.
