Tragic Fire at Kolkata Hotel Claims 14 Lives

A devastating fire erupted at a hotel in Kolkata's central business district on Tuesday evening, resulting in the loss of at least 14 lives, including two children. The blaze, which occurred at the Rituraj Hotel, trapped many guests inside, with most of the 45 rooms occupied at the time. Reports indicate that the majority of victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, while one individual died attempting to escape by jumping from the roof.

Emergency services managed to rescue approximately 20 individuals from the roof and narrow ledges of the six-story structure. Eyewitness accounts and media footage depicted frantic scenes of people attempting to flee through windows and along building ledges as flames engulfed the establishment.

The fire was first detected around 8:15 PM local time in a first-floor room adjacent to the kitchen. Initial investigations suggest that asphyxiation was the primary cause of death for most victims, who were discovered in the hotel's stairwell. West Bengal's emergency services minister, Sujit Bose, confirmed that a forensic team would examine the site to establish the fire's origin and the failure of the hotel's fire safety systems.

An official inquiry has been initiated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, including scrutiny of the hotel's compliance with safety regulations. Fires are unfortunately a recurring issue in India, where adherence to building codes and safety standards is often lax.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families affected by the fire, wishing for a swift recovery for the injured. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding fire safety measures in hospitality establishments across the country.

In light of this tragedy, authorities are expected to review safety protocols and enhance the enforcement of building codes to prevent future occurrences. The Rituraj Hotel fire serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust fire safety measures in protecting lives.