2 weeks ago

Kolkata Hotel Fire Kills Nine, AC Blast Suspected

Kolkata Hotel Fire Kills Nine, AC Blast Suspected
Severe fire at Hotel Shikha Inn in Kolkata’s New Market claims nine lives · wionews.com

A fire started at a hotel in Kolkata early Wednesday morning.

Nine people died, including a child.

Six other people were taken to a hospital after being hurt or breathing in smoke.

The guests had come to Kolkata for medical treatment, and reports identified some or all of the victims as Bangladeshi nationals.

The fire trapped people inside the hotel and spread to several rooms.

Smoke made it difficult for firefighters to reach the upper floors.

Firefighters, police and disaster workers rescued people and put out the flames.

Investigators suspect an air conditioner may have burst, but they have not confirmed that yet.

The hotel owner is facing a police case while officials investigate.

Key facts

Deaths
Nine people died, including six men, two women and one male child.
Injured
Six people were hospitalized after injuries or smoke inhalation; their conditions were not immediately known.
Time
The fire began at approximately 1:45–2:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Location
A hotel near New Market in Kolkata; sources cited Free School Street and Mirza Ghalib Street.
Victims' travel
The guests had reportedly traveled to Kolkata for medical treatment.
Suspected cause
An air-conditioner burst or explosion is suspected, but investigators have not confirmed it.
Police action
A case was registered at New Market Police Station against the hotel owner.
Emergency response
Firefighters, police and disaster-management personnel rescued guests and brought the blaze under control; reports differed on whether four or five fire engines attended.

Quotes

Kolkata Police Officer

Kolkata police officer reporting on the fire

“The dense smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors. While nine people have died, more deaths are feared.”
freepressjournal.in NDTV
“Our priority is to rescue those trapped and determine the reasons for the fire. The flames have been doused, and the cooling process is underway.”
NDTV

Sources

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