At least 15 people have died and several others were injured after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in Kolkata late last night, local police confirmed Tuesday.
The blaze erupted at the budget hotel located in a densely populated area of the northern part of the city. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma told reporters that fire crews managed to rescue numerous guests from their rooms and even from the rooftop as flames engulfed parts of the building.
“The fire is now under control,” Verma said during a press briefing. “Rescue operations continued into the early hours. Unfortunately, 15 people have lost their lives.”
Authorities said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have originated from a gas leak in the hotel’s kitchen, though officials cautioned that the findings are not yet conclusive.
Several of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals, where they are being treated for burns and smoke inhalation. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, as police are still working to notify the families.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over building safety in India, where fatal fires are not uncommon. Experts point to frequent violations of fire safety regulations, including poor maintenance of gas and electrical systems, and lack of emergency exits in older buildings.
“This is a grim reminder of the urgent need to enforce fire safety standards, especially in hospitality establishments,” said a local fire safety official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Regular inspections and compliance checks are often ignored until disaster strikes.”
The state government has ordered a thorough review of fire safety compliance across similar properties in the city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised compensation and support for those affected.
This latest incident follows a series of fatal fires in Indian cities over the past year, underscoring the systemic challenges in enforcing building safety norms.
