Kolkata Hotel Fire: 9 Dead Including Child On Mirza Ghalib Street

A devastating fire broke out at a hotel located on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata, leading to the tragic death of nine individuals. The incident occurred during the late hours of Tuesday night, specifically after 2:00 AM, sending shockwaves through the busy locality. According to the available information, the majority of the guests staying at this hotel were Bangladeshi nationals who had traveled to Kolkata from border areas for medical purposes, while the fire, which engulfed the building rapidly, left the occupants with very little time to escape, resulting in a high number of casualties.

Details of the Victims and Rescue Operation

The fire claimed the lives of nine people, a group that included six men, two women, and one child, while the rescue operations began shortly after the fire was reported, and by 3:00 AM, nine individuals were pulled out from the site in critical condition. They were immediately rushed to the Calcutta Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment. However, upon arrival at the hospital, medical professionals declared all nine of them dead. The loss of life has cast a pall of gloom over the area, especially considering that many of the victims were in the city seeking healthcare services.

Impact on the G+4 Building and Occupants

The fire occurred in a G+4 building situated on Mirza Ghalib Street. While nine people lost their lives, the fire brigade and rescue teams managed to save many others. Reports indicate that approximately 60 people were successfully evacuated from the building without sustaining any injuries. However, six other individuals weren't as fortunate and sustained various injuries during the incident. These six injured persons were transported to the hospital for medical care. The fire brigade sources confirmed that the blaze has since been extinguished, but the damage to the structure and the lives lost remain a significant tragedy.

Allegations of Safety Negligence

As the investigation into the cause of the fire begins, serious allegations have surfaced regarding the hotel's safety protocols. It has been alleged that the hotel lacked any proper fire-fighting arrangements or equipment, which may have contributed to the inability to control the flames in the initial stages. Firefighters reportedly struggled for at least two hours before they could bring the massive fire under control. The absence of fire safety measures in a building housing dozens of guests, many of whom were foreign nationals, has raised serious questions about compliance and oversight in the hospitality sector in the region.

Sequence of Events and Emergency Response

The fire started after 2:00 AM on Tuesday night when most of the guests were asleep. The rapid spread of the fire in the G+4 structure made the evacuation process challenging. Emergency services were alerted, and the fire brigade arrived to initiate rescue and firefighting efforts, while by 3:00 AM, the focus was on extracting those trapped inside. While 60 people were brought to safety, the nine victims who were later declared dead at Calcutta Medical College Hospital couldn't be saved despite the rescue efforts. The injured are currently receiving treatment as authorities look into the circumstances that led to this horrific event on Mirza Ghalib Street.