14 people killed, several others sustain severe burn injuries in Kolkata

At least 14 persons were killed while several others sustained severe burn injuries after a major fire broke out at a hotel in central Kolkata's Mechuapatti area on Tuesday night, police said.

According to sources, the blaze was first spotted around 8.30 pm, leading to panic in the congested area in Burrabazar.

Panicked people were seen trying to escape through the windows and narrow ledges of the building. While many have been left battling for their lives with burn injuries, two people sustained injuries while trying to jump from the fourth floor.

As per latest reports, at least ten fire engines were engaged to bring the blaze under control, but the emergency services faced a tough time operating in the congested area, where the largest wholesale market in eastern India is located, sources added.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Police Commissioner Manoj Verma visited the spot and oversaw the firefighting operations.

“The fire incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. 14 bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued by the teams. The fire is under control, and rescue is underway. Further investigation is underway. A special team has also been formed for the investigation,” said Manoj Kumar Verma, Kolkata Police Commissioner.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but an electrical short circuit is suspected to have triggered it, an official said.

PM expresses condolences, announces ex gratia

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.