Tragic Hotel Fire in Central Kolkata Claims Nine Lives, Prompting High-Level Investigation

KOLKATA — A devastating early morning fire tore through a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata, leaving at least nine people dead and several others injured. Preliminary reports from local authorities confirm that all of the deceased were Bangladeshi nationals who had traveled to the city for medical treatment.

The fast-moving blaze erupted at approximately 2:00 a.m., trapping dozens of guests inside the multi-story building as thick, toxic smoke quickly filled the stairwells and upper corridors. Emergency responders and fire crews managed to rescue roughly 60 to 80 people from the premises, battling hazardous conditions through the night before bringing the flames under control.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

In response to the disaster, the Kolkata Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the exact cause of the fire and examine potential lapses in building safety standards. 

Initial assessments by fire officials suggest that the heavy accumulation of smoke hindered immediate evacuation efforts, while state ministers have raised concerns over possible non-compliance with fire safety and 

construction regulations.

The tragedy has drawn an outpouring of grief from national leaders, with officials coordinating with diplomatic missions to assist the families of the victims and support the survivors receiving treatment at local hospitals.