At least 9, including foreign nationals, killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Kolkata:At least nine persons, including 4-5 Bangladeshis, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in Kolkata in the early hours of Wednesday. Altogether 80 persons have been rescued, the Fire minister said. The PM and CM expressed condolences. This comes close on the heels of death of nine pilgrims in Tarapith few days back.

"Extremely pained to learn about the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting those who are affected," PM Narendra Modi said in his X.

Bangladeshi High Commissioner reached the hotel to express condolence.


"A five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been immediately formed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into this incident. We are determined to find the truth and ensure that justice is served, " CM Suvendu Adhikari said.

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The fire erupted around 2:00 am on Free School Street near New Market, one of the city's busiest and most densely populated areas, trapping several guests inside the building and triggering a major rescue operation. Bangladeshi nationals were among those who died in the blaze. A SIT has been formed by the West Bengal government. This is the second blaze after Tarapith where nine persons died. Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul has reached the spot.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said today, "Shocked and anguished by the tragic fire incident at the hotel on Mirza Galib Street in Kolkata."

CM said that he has instructed "the administration to ensure that the injured receive the absolute best medical attention and support."

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"While we remain focused on the rescue & relief operations and conduct investigation regarding what went wrong, it is impossible to ignore the reality we are facing today. This tragedy is a grim reminder of the legacy of negligence left behind by the previous regime. For years, the City’s & State's infrastructure was allowed to grow unchecked, with structures being permitted to be built and operate as hotels and other businesses while completely ignoring mandatory fire safety norms," CM said.

CM said that "the previous administration systematically looked the other way, failing to enforce basic compliance audits and allowing these unsafe conditions to fester. We are now working tirelessly to undo the damage of that era and to enforce the safety standards that should have been in place all along".

Expressing condolence for the deceased, CM said, "My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy.Prayers for the departed souls. "