A major fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming at least nine lives and leaving six people injured. The blaze started around 2 a.m., catching many guests while they were asleep.
Fire department personnel arrived promptly and launched a rescue operation. Five fire tenders were deployed to control the flames. Dense smoke filled the building, making it difficult for firefighters to access the upper floors via staircases. Officials confirmed that the fire has been brought under control and cooling operations are continuing.
According to authorities, the nine people who died were Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment. The six injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for care. Their condition was not immediately detailed. At least 15 others were rescued from the hotel.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Police and disaster management teams are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and assessing safety measures at the premises. The hotel is located in a densely built-up area of the city, close to the West Bengal Fire Department headquarters.
In a separate incident the previous day in Birbhum district, a fire at a private hotel in Tarapith claimed at least seven lives. That blaze started around 5 a.m. on the ground floor of a four-storey building while most guests were asleep. Firefighters brought it under control, and the injured were taken to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital.
Authorities in Kolkata continue to investigate the Mirza Ghalib Street fire, focusing on the origin of the blaze and any possible safety shortcomings. Further details on the victims and the full extent of the damage are expected as the probe progresses.
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