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Kolkata Hotel Fire: 14 Dead Including Two Children; Most Victims Died of Asphyxiation
At least 14 people, including two children, lost their lives in a massive fire that broke out at Hotel Rituraj in central Kolkata’s Mechua Bazar area late Tuesday evening. The deceased include 11 men, one woman, and two children. According to fire brigade officials, the majority of fatalities were caused by asphyxiation due to the rapid spread of thick smoke throughout the six-storey building.
The fire reportedly started around 8:20 PM on the first floor of the hotel, which primarily serves traders from other states. A total of 10 fire tenders were deployed to the scene, and the blaze was brought under control by approximately 3:30 AM on Wednesday.
“One hotel staff member, Manoj Paswas, died after jumping from one of the upper floors in a panic. Several boarders and staff had moved to the roof and balconies to escape the smoke,” a fire official stated.
A senior IPS officer from Kolkata Police confirmed that 14 people had died and 13 others were injured. Of the injured, 12 have been discharged from hospitals, while one remains under treatment. The official also noted that at least 88 boarders were staying in 42 rooms, and the hotel employed around 60 staff members.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, and senior fire department officials visited the site overnight to oversee rescue operations. Hakim confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) will be filed and that both police and fire authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to determine the cause of the fire and assess potential lapses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased individual and ₹50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
“The loss of lives in the Kolkata fire is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated on social media.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, currently in Digha for the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple, has been closely monitoring the situation. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh confirmed that the CM has been in constant contact with officials throughout the night. Ministers Arup Biswas, Sujit Basu, Shashi Panja, and Mayor Hakim have been actively involved in response efforts at the scene.
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