A fire erupted around 2 a.m. today in a five-story building housing a budget hotel near New Market in central Kolkata, India, killing at least nine people and injuring six to nine others, officials said [1, 2, 3]. The blaze was brought under control within about an hour after crews battled thick smoke and flames that engulfed multiple floors [1, 4, 5].
West Bengal Fire Services Director Anuj Sharma said nine people died, including one child. "Thick smoke enveloped the hotel. Some victims were found in the bathrooms," he said, describing the struggle firefighters faced to reach upper floors due to the dense smoke [2, 6].
About 60 guests were inside the hotel at the time, and dozens were rescued by emergency responders [1, 3, 7]. Most victims were reportedly Bangladeshi nationals, some visiting Kolkata for medical treatment, with others from India's Jharkhand state also among the dead [1, 2, 8]. West Bengal ruling party member Santosh Pathak said officials were working to confirm the victims' nationalities [2].
Initial investigations suspect the fire was triggered by an air conditioner explosion, though the exact cause remains to be confirmed [2, 3, 7]. Authorities have registered a case against hotel operators and staff to examine potential safety violations or foul play [7, 8]. Fire officials noted the hotel lacked proper firefighting equipment, reflecting a pattern of frequent fires in local buildings due to ignored safety rules [7, 5].
This fire follows another tragedy two days ago near Kolkata, where eight people died in a hotel fire about 220 kilometers north in Talapish town [1, 7]. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the region's hospitality industry.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the casualties and said local governments are assisting the victims and their families. "We wish the injured a speedy recovery," he stated [7].
