India hotel fire kills 9, more injured

At least nine people were killed and several others injured in a hotel fire in Kolkata, India on Wednesday, according to a senior fire department official. Six men, two women, and a child perished in the blaze that erupted early on Wednesday, according to Anuj Sharma, the fire services director of West Bengal state. Thick smoke was reported to have engulfed the building. Some victims were found in the bathrooms.

Initial reports suggested that an air conditioner in the budget hotel may have exploded, causing the fire. Nine individuals - six men, two women, and a child - were successfully rescued and transported to a hospital. Santosh Pathak, a member of West Bengal's ruling party, mentioned that some victims appeared to be Bangladeshi nationals who had traveled to Kolkata for medical treatment. The West Bengal government is working to confirm the nationalities of the victims.

A total of 60 guests were present in the hotel when the fire broke out. The source notes that building fires are common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment and a general disregard for safety regulations.