14 Dead in Kolkata Hotel Fire, SIT Formed to Probe Cause

At least 15 people died after a massive fire broke out at a six-storey hotel in Kolkata’s Rituraj Hotel, located on Madanmohan Street in the Burrabazar area, around 7:30 pm. Most of the victims reportedly died from suffocation, while one person lost his life after falling from the building in an attempt to escape the flames.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the death toll and stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted to look into the cause of the fire. “An SIT has been formed to probe the cause of the fire and to check the safety measures that were in place. The investigation will also look into the difficulties faced by the guests while evacuating from the building,” said Verma.

According to reports, ten fire engines were rushed to the scene and battled the blaze for over five hours. The fire was finally brought under control around 1 am on Wednesday. However, dense smoke had already engulfed the hotel, leaving many guests trapped inside their rooms.

Local residents alleged that the hotel was constructed above a commercial godown on the ground floor, with the upper five floors functioning as accommodation.

As the fire spread swiftly through the stairwells and corridors, panic gripped the guests who desperately searched for ways to escape. While some managed to reach the rooftop in search of safety, others clung to narrow parapets outside their windows. Firefighters used hydraulic ladders to rescue those stranded on ledges, while those on the terrace signalled for help using mobile phone flashlights. Loudspeakers were deployed to reassure those trapped inside as rescue efforts continued.

At Kolkata Medical College Hospital, a man identified as Sanjoy Paswan was declared dead on arrival after falling from the building in an attempt to flee the fire. Several others injured in the incident are currently undergoing treatment at the same facility. It was only after the flames were fully brought under control that rescue teams could access the upper floors, where they discovered 13 bodies during a thorough search.

State Women, Children and Social Welfare Minister Sashi Panja expressed sorrow over the incident. “Majority of those staying in the hotel were from other states who had come for commercial activities. It is indeed a very unfortunate incident. The fire brigade tried to rescue all the boarders but some of them unfortunately died because of suffocation. Two children were among those killed. Investigation is on and we will soon know the exact cause of the blaze,” she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences. “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,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The PMO further announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. “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,” it added.​