Categories
At least 14 people have died in a tragic hotel fire in Kolkata. Authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to determine the cause of the blaze and assess safety lapses..
A devastating fire engulfed the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata’s Burrabazar area on Tuesday evening, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people, including two children.
The blaze, which began around 7:30 PM, rapidly spread through the six-storey building, trapping many of the 88 guests inside. Thick smoke filled the corridors, leading to suffocation, which is suspected to be the primary cause of death for most victims.
Emergency services responded promptly, deploying ten fire engines to combat the inferno. Firefighters utilized hydraulic ladders to rescue individuals stranded on balconies and narrow ledges. Despite their efforts, one person died after jumping from the rooftop in a panic. The fire was brought under control after nearly ten hours of continuous operation.
In response to the tragedy, the Kolkata Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cause of the fire and assess the safety measures in place at the hotel. Preliminary reports suggest that the hotel’s fire suppression system failed to operate, prompting further scrutiny into potential safety lapses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the incident, announcing an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her condolences and confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway.
This tragic event underscores the need for stringent adherence to fire safety regulations, especially in densely populated urban areas. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to prevent such disasters in the future.
Read Also…Pakistan Violates Ceasefire Again; Indian Forces Respond with Swift, Proportionate Action
