Kolkata10 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
A massive fire broke out at a four-storey building at Mirza Ghalib Street, Kolkata, after 2 am on Tuesday night. The building houses several hotels, many of which were occupied by Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment.
Nine people died in fire
Around 60 residents were rescued from the building, although several reportedly became unconscious. According to hospital sources, nine people died after being trapped inside the hotel. Some of the deceased reportedly suffered burn injuries, while doctors initially suspected that smoke inhalation and suffocation may have caused the deaths. The exact cause will be confirmed after post-mortem examinations. Several others remain in critical condition.
Fifteen injured taken to hospital
Nine injured people were initially rescued and admitted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. Six more injured people were later reported, taking the total number of injured to 15. All hotel residents were safely evacuated from the building. The fire has since been brought under control. Fire Minister Kaushik Choudhury visited the spot to assess the situation.
According to the Fire Department’s preliminary assessment, the blaze may have been caused by a short circuit. Officials also suspect that smoke inhalation and suffocation may have contributed to the deaths.
Narrow exit made evacuation difficult
The building reportedly had only one exit route, which may have made evacuation difficult after the fire broke out. The bodies will be handed over to the families after the inquest and other formalities in the presence of a magistrate. The handover is expected around noon.
