Nine Killed, Six Injured in Kolkata Hotel Fire

KOLKATA: (News Desk) – At least nine people, including a child, were killed and six others injured after a major fire broke out at a hotel in Kolkata, the capital of India’s West Bengal state.

According to Indian authorities, the blaze erupted at around 2:50am local time on the hotel’s second floor. Firefighters and emergency teams quickly reached the scene and managed to bring the fire under control within an hour.

Officials said approximately 30 people were rescued during the emergency operation. Several guests were reportedly trapped inside the building as heavy smoke rapidly filled parts of the hotel.

Authorities confirmed that Bangladeshi nationals were among those killed. The victims had reportedly travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment.

Police said an initial assessment indicated that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire. However, investigators are continuing to examine the incident to determine the exact cause.

The deadly incident has once again highlighted concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in hotels and other commercial buildings. Authorities are expected to release further information about the victims and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy as the investigation continues.