Kolkata: Late on Tuesday night, a terrible fire broke out in a six-story hotel called Rituraj in Mechua Bazar, central Kolkata, killing at least 14 people. Among the dead were 11 men, one woman, and two children. Fire officials said many of the victims died from smoke inhalation as thick smoke filled the hotel.
A senior police officer from Kolkata reported, “We have confirmed that 14 people have died, and we have identified eight of them. Thirteen others were hurt and taken to local hospitals, where 12 patients have been sent home, but one remains hospitalized.”
One hotel staff member, Manoj Paswas, died after jumping from a hotel floor in panic. Firefighters explained that many guests and staff tried to escape to the roof and upper balconies when smoke filled the hallways and rooms, causing panic among them.
The fire started around 8:20 PM on the first floor. Firefighters worked hard, using 10 fire trucks, and finally got the fire under control by 3:30 AM Wednesday. Kolkata’s Mayor Firhad Hakim and Police Commissioner Manoj Verma arrived at the scene late that night to oversee the situation and the rescue efforts.
The police will investigate how the fire started, and a report will be filed. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in Digha, has been informed about the incident. Authorities say there were about 88 guests staying in the hotel across 42 rooms, along with around 60 staff members. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to look into the event more closely.
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