Nine Bangladeshis Killed in Kolkata Hotel Fire

Darwin, August 19:  Nine Bangladeshi nationals, including two women and a child, were killed in a fire that broke out at a three-storey hotel near New Market in Kolkata, West Bengal, late Tuesday night.

The fire broke out at Hotel Shikha Inn on Mirza Ghalib Street shortly before 2am. Six other people were injured in the incident, with several reportedly in critical condition.

According to Indian media reports, an air conditioner may have exploded and triggered the fire, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.

The hotel quickly filled with smoke after the fire broke out, causing panic among the guests. Firefighters were alerted at around 2:07am. Personnel from the fire service, police and disaster management teams rushed to the scene and began rescue operations.

The narrow lanes around the hotel reportedly made it difficult for fire engines to reach the building. Firefighters initially attempted to control the blaze from outside before entering the hotel to rescue the occupants.

Most of the guests were reportedly asleep when the fire started. Local residents said flames were not clearly visible from outside, while thick smoke rapidly spread through the rooms. Guests rushed to escape after learning about the fire.

Hospital sources said the victims did not have significant burn injuries. Doctors initially suspected that they died from smoke inhalation and suffocation. The exact causes of death are expected to be determined after post-mortem examinations.

Local residents said the victims were staying at the hotel and had travelled from Bangladesh to Kolkata for medical treatment.

The incident occurred just two days after another deadly hotel fire in Tarapith in West Bengal’s Birbhum district. At least eight people were killed and several others injured when a fire broke out at Hotel Bideshini early on August 17.