Child among 9 dead as massive fire breaks out at Kolkata hotel

A massive fire erupted at the Shikha Inn hotel in central Kolkata early Wednesday, claiming at least nine lives and prompting the rescue of over 60 individuals. This incident marks the second fatal hotel fire in West Bengal within a week, as a similar blaze on Monday claimed nine lives, including two children, in Tarapith, a temple town in Birbhum district.

Deputy Police Commissioner Praween Prakash stated that the victims comprised six men, two women, and a child. The fire reportedly ignited in the five-story hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street around 2 a.m., and despite the quick response from four fire tenders, it took several hours to extinguish the flames. Fire Brigade Officer noted that over 60 people were rescued unharmed, while at least nine were found unconscious and transported to the hospital.

Survivors expressed their horror at the lack of emergency exits and firefighting equipment at the hotel, which featured only a single entrance and exit. Local resident Amirul Hossain recounted the dangerous situation, highlighting the absence of fire alarms and systems. The area surrounding Mirza Ghalib Street and its adjoining streets is known for its numerous hotels frequented by foreigners, including Bangladeshis.

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party leader Santosh Pathak accused most of the hotels in the area of operating illegally, lacking proper firefighting mechanisms, and often breaching regulations. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the Kolkata fire, which officials suspect was caused by a short circuit.