Kolkata Hotel Fire Results in 14 Fatalities as Investigation Begins

A devastating fire ripped through a six-story hotel in the heart of Kolkata’s Burrabazar area late Tuesday evening, leaving at least 14 people dead and several others injured. The incident has shocked the city and raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in densely populated urban areas.

The fire began around 7:30 p.m. at Rituraj Hotel, a structure built above a commercial warehouse on Madanmohan Street—an area known for its narrow lanes and high foot traffic. Panic quickly spread as smoke filled the building’s stairwells and corridors, trapping many of the guests inside their rooms.

Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as desperate guests clung to ledges, stood on narrow parapets, and used their mobile phones to signal for help from the rooftop. Firefighters deployed hydraulic ladders to rescue those stranded on the upper floors, while loudspeakers were used to calm others waiting in fear.

Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the fire raged for hours and was brought under control only by 1 a.m. on Wednesday. Once the flames were subdued, rescue teams entered the smoke-drenched building and discovered the lifeless bodies of 13 individuals. One additional victim had earlier succumbed to injuries sustained from falling while trying to escape.

An investigation has now been launched into the cause of the blaze, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to assess the building’s fire preparedness, evacuation protocols, and compliance with safety norms. Authorities are also examining how quickly guests were able to respond to the fire alarm and whether proper escape routes were available.

Local residents stated that many of the hotel’s occupants were from out of state, visiting Kolkata for trade-related work. Among the deceased were two children.

As the city mourns, questions loom large over urban safety in aging commercial-residential structures. The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of fire regulations and a review of safety standards in similarly built establishments.

The victims’ families are being offered compensation, and several of the injured are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Meanwhile, the community and officials alike await answers, hoping this grim event will push forward meaningful change in urban fire safety.