Kolkata hotel fire: 9 dead, several injured in massive blaze at Mirza Ghalib Street; CM orders SIT probe

A massive fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata around 2 am leaving at least nine people dead and six others injured in West Bengal.

All the deceased were Bangladeshi nationals who had come to the city for medical treatment, officials from the fire department informed ANI.

Also read: At least 7 killed in hotel fire near Tarapith temple in West Bengal


Five fire tenders were rushed to the spot to bring the blaze under control, with rescue operations carried out through the night.

"The dense smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors. While nine people have died, more deaths are feared," a police officer told PTI.

"Our priority is to rescue those trapped and determine the reasons for the fire. The flames have been doused, and the cooling process is underway," he added.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and further details are awaited from authorities.

In a statement released later on Wednesday, Kolkata Police said, "On 19th August, at about 02:00 hrs, information was received at New Market PS regarding a serious fire incident at a hotel, namely Shika Inn, situated at 15, Mirza Ghalib Street, within the jurisdiction of New Market Police Station."

Authorities conducted prolonged and strenuous rescue efforts after which, the Fire Brigade & Police personnel successfully rescued approximately 60 persons from the hotel premises and brought them to safety.

"During the rescue operation, 9 persons, including 2 females and 1 child, were found unconscious and were immediately removed to Medical College & Hospital for medical treatment. However, on examination, the doctor declared them brought dead. The rescue and related fire-fighting operation continued for a considerable period and was completed at about 04:30 hrs. At present, the situation in the area is peaceful and under control," it added.

Speaking to ANI about the Kolkata hotel fire accident, BJP leader Santosh Pathak said, "There is information of nine deaths. The deceased include 6 males, 2 females and a child. One deceased is identified as Sandeep Paswan. This is a very sad incident."

Accusing the previous government in the state, he said, "This is a result of unauthorised construction during 15 years of TMC rule."

'Impossible to ignore reality': CM Suvendhu Adhikari orders investigation

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari expressed shock and grief over the tragic fire incident at the hotel on Mirza Galib Street in Kolkata that claimed nine lives.

"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," he said in a statement.

Speaking about the former TMC government, he said, "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."

"The previous administration systematically looked the other way, failing to enforce basic compliance audits and allowing these unsafe conditions to fester," he added.

The chief minister affirmed that the administration is now working to undo the damage of that era and to enforce the safety standards that should have been in place all along.

"My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy," he said adding that he has instructed the administration to ensure that the injured receive the absolute best medical attention and support.

The minister has formed a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into this incident.

"We are determined to find the truth and ensure that justice is served."

8 killed in separate incident

In a separate incident in Birbhum district of West Bengal, eight people lost their lives allegedly due to a short circuit at a hotel in Tarapith.

Birbhum Superintendent of Police Vidit Raj Bhundesh said, "Neither smoke nor flames were visible from the outside. Police and fire brigade teams arrived at the scene; 22 people were rescued using ladders, and 11 others were sent to the hospital...7 people have lost their lives in this incident."

According to an official cited by ANI, 28 people were rescued and survived, while seven others are undergoing treatment. The injured belonged to Shib Bari Baganara and South Garhill in Meghalaya.

Eight people were rescued from the site but later declared dead. Five of them were from Meghalaya, while three others belonged to Alipurduar.

The authorities took the hotel operators in Tarapith into custody after an FIR was registered, and police are questioning them as part of the investigation.