Kolkata Correspondent

Nine people were killed in a massive fire at a hotel in Kolkata’s New Market area in India’s West Bengal. Kolkata Police said all nine victims were Bangladeshi nationals. Eight others were injured in the incident.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday at Shikha Inn, a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street. The injured are receiving treatment at Kolkata Medical College Hospital and other hospitals.

According to local residents, most of those killed and injured were staying at the hotel. Many Bangladeshis travelling to Kolkata for medical treatment stay at hotels in the area, and Shikha Inn was also known as a popular accommodation for Bangladeshi visitors.

A hotel guest, Md. Rafiqul Islam, said the fire broke out on the third floor at around 1:45am. The hotel was quickly filled with smoke, leaving several guests trapped inside.

He alleged that the hotel had a narrow entrance and inadequate fire safety arrangements.

The hotel is located close to the headquarters of the Kolkata Fire and Emergency Services, allowing firefighters to reach the scene quickly after receiving the alert. They brought the blaze under control and launched a rescue operation to evacuate guests trapped inside.

Kolkata Police did not immediately release the identities of the victims but confirmed that nine people had died. Police also said the condition of the eight injured people was critical.

Fire officials initially suspected that an electrical short circuit may have caused the blaze. However, the exact cause will be determined after an investigation.

The five-storey building houses several hotels on different floors. Local residents alleged that some of the hotels in the building had been operating without the necessary fire safety approvals. No official statement has yet been issued by the relevant authorities on the allegation.

The area sees a large number of Bangladeshi visitors. Many Bangladeshis travelling to Kolkata for medical treatment stay at hotels around New Market and Mirza Ghalib Street. Following the fire, concerns have also emerged over whether more Bangladeshis may be among the victims and injured.