Kolkata, August 19: A devastating fire broke out at a hotel on Free School Street in Kolkata’s New Market area during the midnight hours between Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals, including a child. Six others sustained injuries and were hospitalized for treatment. Firefighters and a disaster management team responded promptly to the scene, launching a rescue operation and managing to extinguish the flames.
According to the fire department, the blaze ignited around 2 AM near Mirza Ghalib Street. Initial reports indicated that smoke was first observed emanating from the hotel. The fire reportedly spread around the exit routes, causing many guests to be unaware of the situation due to the late hour.
The smoke trapped several individuals inside the hotel. Firefighters conducted a rescue operation to evacuate them. Nine people were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where they were later pronounced dead. Among the deceased was a child, and reports suggest that some victims were Bangladeshi nationals who had come to Kolkata for medical treatment.
The cause of the fire remains officially undetermined. Initial speculation points to a malfunction in the air conditioning unit or an explosion as potential triggers. Both the police and the fire department are investigating the incident. Officers from the New Market police station were also present at the scene to gather facts related to the tragedy.
This incident marks the second significant hotel fire in West Bengal in recent days. Just two days prior, on August 17, a fire at the Hotel Bideshini in Birbhum district resulted in at least eight fatalities and several injuries.
Additionally, on August 18, a fire broke out on the second floor of the air traffic control room at Kolkata Airport. However, swift action by firefighters and airport officials contained that blaze in time. The series of fire incidents has raised concerns regarding safety measures and fire standards in the city.
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