Kolkata Hotel Fire: 9 Bangladeshi Nationals Among Dead, AC Blast Suspected

Nine people, including Bangladeshi nationals and a child, were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in central Kolkata in the early hours of Wednesday. Six others were injured in the incident, which occurred in the busy Mirza Ghalib Street area near New Market. The fire reportedly started at around 2 a.m. when most of the hotels occupants were asleep. Thick smoke quickly spread through the building, making it difficult for people inside to escape. Emergency teams rushed to the location after receiving information about the blaze and began evacuating guests.

Preliminary reports suggest that an air-conditioner may have exploded before the fire spread through the hotel. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the blaze. Investigators are examining the hotels electrical systems, fire-safety arrangements and other circumstances surrounding the incident. According to officials, the nine people who died were Bangladeshi nationals who had reportedly travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment. The victims included men, women and a child. Their deaths have added to concerns about the safety of hotels frequently used by visitors travelling to the city for healthcare.

Firefighters faced challenging conditions during the rescue operation because of heavy smoke inside the building. Several people were evacuated, while those who sustained injuries were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police and fire officials have begun investigating the incident, including the hotels safety arrangements and whether required fire-prevention measures were in place. The circumstances surrounding the suspected AC malfunction are also being examined.

The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety in older and densely occupied buildings in Kolkata. Proper electrical maintenance, functioning fire alarms, accessible emergency exits and adequate firefighting equipment can be crucial in preventing a fire from turning into a major tragedy. Authorities are expected to continue examining the site and questioning people connected with the hotel as they work to determine what caused the deadly fire and whether any safety violations contributed to the loss of life.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.