Kolkata: At least nine people, including a child, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel on Free School Street near New Market in Kolkata early Wednesday.
The fire reportedly broke out around 2 am, trapping several guests inside the building. Four fire engines and a disaster management team rushed to the spot after receiving the alert and launched rescue operations. The blaze was later brought under control.
According to preliminary information, all nine deceased were Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment. An AC unit is suspected to have exploded before the fire, though authorities are yet to establish the exact cause.
PM Modi condoles deaths
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the local administration was providing necessary assistance to those affected by the incident.
The Kolkata tragedy comes just two days after a hotel fire in Tarapith, Birbhum district, in which eight people were reportedly killed.