9 Bangladeshis Killed in Kolkata Hotel Fire

At least nine people have been killed in a devastating fire at a hotel near New Market in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The victims include six men, two women and a child. All of them are reportedly Bangladeshi nationals.

The fire broke out on the fourth floor of the hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday (August 19). Police and firefighters rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control after nearly two hours of efforts. At least 60 people were rescued from the hotel, while several others were taken to hospital after losing consciousness.

Hospital sources said the victims had burn injuries, but doctors initially suspect that many of them may have died from suffocation caused by smoke inhalation. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after autopsies.

Authorities suspect that an air-conditioning unit may have triggered the fire. However, an investigation is underway to determine the actual cause. The narrow entrance and exit routes of the hotel reportedly caused panic and congestion as guests tried to escape.

The West Bengal Fire Services Minister and Kolkata Police Commissioner visited the scene. Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. Notably, a fire station is located just one building away from the hotel, raising questions about the hotel's fire safety arrangements.