Devastating fire in Kolkata hotel kills 14, SIT formed to determine cause

A devastating fire engulfed the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata's Burrabazar area on Tuesday evening, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and injuries to 13 others. The blaze, which ignited around 8.15 pm, rapidly spread through the six-storey building, trapping guests and staff inside.

The hotel, situated in the densely populated Mechua fruit market area near Jorasanko, is located on a narrow road connecting Central Avenue and Bidhan Sarani. The surrounding area is crowded with shops and residential buildings, raising concerns about the potential rapid spread of the fire.

However, the fire brigade managed to bring the blaze under control before it could extend further. Firefighters described the budget hotel as having turned into a "gas chamber" due to the smoke, making rescue operations extremely challenging. Reportedly, there were more than 90 people inside the hotel, which has 42 rooms, when the fire broke out.

Emergency teams managed to break through window panes to ventilate the building and gain entry. Despite their efforts, 13 people were found deceased inside, believed to have died from asphyxiation caused by the smoke.

Most were found trapped in their rooms, while several bodies were discovered on the stairway, suggesting they may have been trying to reach the rooftop to escape, only to succumb to the smoke before they could make it.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, a hotel staff member lost his life while trying to escape the fire by climbing down the building’s cornice. He was taken to the Medical College Hospital in an injured condition, where doctors declared him dead.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, who was at the spot until 3 am when every one trapped inside the hotel was rescued, informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to determine the cause of the fire.

“At least five people were rescued alive who were trapped inside the room. Around 20 people who were on the roof and those in the balconies have also rescued,” Commissioner Verma told the media, emphasising that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for any shortcomings or misconduct.

The SIT will examine potential lapses in safety protocols and investigate why guests were unable to evacuate the building during the incident. West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose has stated that there were significant lapses in safety measures at the hotel and its fire extinguishing systems did not work properly.

The hotel, which was in a six-storey building, allegedly had only a single staircase for evacuation. Local residents have claimed that a portion of the hotel was under construction, possibly to establish a bar, and are questioning whether the fire originated from that area.

In the aftermath of the incident, the hotel's owners are reportedly missing. Preliminary information suggests that the establishment was managed by three brothers who live in Howrah.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be given to the next kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those who have been injured.

India