In a tragic incident, at least 15 people died while three others sustained injuries as a massive fire broke out in a central Kolkata hotel on Tuesday night, a senior police officer said.
Investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause behind the fire. However, but an official reportedly suspected that a short circuit may have triggered it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives in the fire incident, and announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased.
"Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the prime minister's office said on X.
"The sad news of the loss of lives in the fire accident in a building in Kolkata is very disturbing and painful. My deep condolences to members of the bereaved family. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured," President Droupadi Murmu tweeted.
News agency ANI quoted Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma as saying that the fire broke out around 8.15 pm on the premises of Rituraj Hotel near Falpatti Machhua.
"A fire incident was reported at Ritu Raj Hotel in Mechuapatti area at about 8:15 am on Tuesday evening. At least 15 casualties have been reported so far and several people were rescued from rooms and roof of the hotel. The fire is now under control and cooling operations are underway", Verma further added.
According to PTI, ten fire engines were deployed to bring the blaze under control. The emergency services faced difficulties while operating in the congested area in Burrabazar, where the largest wholesale market in eastern India is located.
While commenting on the tragic incident, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar urged the state government to rescue the affected immediately, and called for "stricter monitoring" of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
"I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future," he posted on X.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Police Commissioner Verma visited also the spot and oversaw the firefighting operations.
