A devastating fire broke out in a hotel in the Mechuapatti area of Kolkata, West Bengal, on Tuesday night, resulting in the tragic death of 15 people and leaving many others critically injured. The incident caused widespread panic and chaos in the area.
West Bengal: The sudden fire at 'Rituraj Hotel' in the densely populated Mechuapatti area of Kolkata on Tuesday night sent shockwaves through the city. The blaze, which started around 8:15 PM, has claimed 15 lives so far, with dozens more reported to be severely injured. The incident triggered pandemonium, with locals screaming and running in all directions.
Ten fire engines battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. Rescue operations are still underway. Police and NDRF teams rescued several people trapped inside the hotel, but many sustained injuries while attempting to escape by jumping from windows.
Short Circuit Suspected as Cause of Fire?
According to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, initial investigations suggest a short circuit as the cause of the fire. He stated that the hotel lacked adequate fire safety measures, exacerbating the situation. The hotel's old and narrow structure facilitated the rapid spread of the fire, making escape difficult for occupants.
Police reported that the deceased include one woman and two children. Many injured remain hospitalized, some in critical condition. Approximately 80-90 people were staying in the hotel at the time of the incident. Some were seen jumping from the fourth floor, sustaining serious injuries.
Political Reactions and Administrative Failure
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and the Police Commissioner visited the scene following the incident. West Bengal BJP President Sukant Majumdar expressed grief on social media, calling it a tragic and heartbreaking event and urging the state government to immediately review fire safety measures. Meanwhile, Congress state president Shubhankar Sarkar accused the Kolkata Municipal Corporation of negligence, stating that the hotel lacked safety arrangements and that the corporation's oversight system had completely failed.
The incident occurred in the Burrabazar area, East India's largest wholesale market. The narrow lanes and dense crowds significantly hampered the fire department's access to the scene, delaying fire suppression efforts and contributing to the extent of the damage. Police have filed a case against the hotel management and formed a special investigation team.
