West Bengal: 14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, an electrical short circuit is suspected to have triggered it
At least 14 people were killed in a fire that broke out at a hotel in central Kolkata's Mechuapatti area on Tuesday (April 29) night, police said.
Latest reports say the fire has been brought under control. While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, an electrical short circuit is suspected to have triggered it, an official said.
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People injured while escaping
According to police, the blaze was first spotted around 8.30 pm, leading to panic in the congested area in Burrabazar.
Several people were seen trying to escape through the windows and narrow ledges of the building. Two people sustained injuries while trying to jump from the fourth floor.
Ten fire engines brought the blaze under control, but the emergency services faced a tough time operating in the congested area, where the largest wholesale market in eastern India is located.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Police Commissioner Manoj Verma visited the spot and oversaw the firefighting operations.
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Call for stricter fire safety rules
In a post on X earlier, state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar while condoling the death of one of the deceased, had urged the government for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of a fellow citizen, Mr. Manoj Paswan (aged 40), in a horrific fire at a hotel in the Mechua area of Kolkata's Burrabazar," he said "Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and more strict monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)