Kolkata Hotel Fire Accident: 9 Bangladeshi Nationals Dead in Massive Fire

Kolkata Hotel Fire Accident: Nine Bangladeshi nationals died, and six others were hurt when a large fire broke out at a hotel in Kolkata early Wednesday morning, officials said.

Fire officials said the victims were six men, two women, and a child who had come to Kolkata for medical treatment.

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Kolkata Hotel Fire Accident: 6 Hospitalised, 60 Evacuated After Overnight Hotel Fire

The fire began around 2 am, and emergency crews arrived soon after. Officials said about 60 people were evacuated from the hotel.

Some people lost consciousness from smoke and were rescued before being taken to the hospital. The six injured were also taken to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities have detained two hotel staff members for questioning as part of the investigation.

Massive Fire in Kolkata: Minister Kaushik Chowdhury confirmed efforts are underway to identify victims

Kolkata Hotel Fire Accident: Firefighters carried out rescue operations and brought the fire under control. The cause of the fire is yet to be known. The hotel was in an old building on a crowded street.

Minister Kaushik Chowdhury said authorities were working to identify the victims. He described the building's condition as very poor and noted that several hotels were operating.

Kolkata Hotel Fire Latest Update: Police Question Staff After Deadly Hotel Fire; Safety Lapses Suspected

The minister also said the building management may not have followed basic safety and construction rules.

He added that several problems with the hotel's operations had been reported. Police are questioning the detained hotel staff and investigating the cause of the fire.

Kolkata Hotel Fire Latest News: Short Circuit Suspected in Major Fire; CM Adhikari Expected at Scene

Kolkata Hotel Fire Accident: The minister said a short circuit might have started the blaze. Authorities are also expected to inspect the building to determine how the fire started.

The Chief Minister's Office, led by CM Suvendu Adhikari, is likely to visit the site.

Limited Passageways Hindered Evacuation

Officials said the building’s design may have contributed to the high number of deaths. They explained that the entry and exit routes were narrow, which made it hard for guests to get out when smoke filled the building.

The entry and exit spaces were very narrow. A state fire services official said thick, black smoke filled the hotel, making it hard for people to breathe and leaving them unsure how to get out.

A Kolkata Police officer said investigators first thought there was only one hotel in the building. Later, they found that several hotels and guesthouses were operating on different floors.

The officer said each floor had a hotel or guesthouse, with small rooms and narrow hallways. The fire started on the third floor.

At first, it was not very strong, but the smoke quickly became thicker and filled the whole building, making it hard for people to find their way out.

Hotel Owner, Staff Flee As Probe Intensifies

Kolkata Hotel Fire Accident: Following the incident, police registered a case at the New Market police station.

The hotel owner and staff are missing, and police are looking for them. Officers have also asked for a forensic examination of the site as part of their investigation.

West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul visited the fire site and received a briefing from senior police officers.

She reviewed the situation and checked on the response efforts and arrangements at the site.

Brief About Mirza Ghalib Street in Central Kolkata

Mirza Ghalib Street, formerly known as Free School Street, connects Surendranath Banerjee Road in Janbazar to Park Street near Park Mansion in Central Kolkata. North of the S. N. Banerjee Road crossing, the street is known as Hospital Street.

Lindsay Street and Sudder Street cross Free School Street and are important roads in this part of the city.

The area around Free School Street and Sudder Street is known for its affordable hotels and restaurants.

Many foreign visitors choose these budget hotels. The used book and record shops offer a wide range of items, reflecting years of trade with travellers from all over the world.

The street is also where you’ll find the birthplace of William Makepeace Thackeray, the West Bengal Fire Services headquarters, Kalman's, a shop with Hungarian roots, Leather Club, a leather goods store, and several other notable spots.

Dining on School Street is varied. Shamiana serves affordable Mughlai food, Prince and Princess offer budget Bengali dishes, and Mocambo is known for its upscale continental dining, among others.

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