KOLKATA, Aug 19: At least nine people, including a four year old child, were killed and six others injured after a fire broke out at a five storey building on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata early Wednesday, police said.
The blaze erupted at around 1.45 am in the building, which houses several hotels. Five fire tenders were deployed to control the flames, while police and Disaster Management Department personnel joined the rescue operation.
A senior official said around 80 people were rescued from the building. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
West Bengal Fire Department Minister Kaushik Chowdhury, who visited the site, said authorities were yet to establish the identities of all those who died. He said the victims included both Indian and Bangladeshi nationals.
“We are trying to establish their identities,” Chowdhury said, describing the condition inside the building as extremely poor. He said the presence of several hotels in the structure raised serious questions about its management and safety arrangements.
The minister said a short circuit could have triggered the blaze, although the exact cause would be determined through a forensic examination.
Chowdhury also alleged that the building management had failed to comply with basic safety and construction requirements. He said there were alleged irregularities in the operation of hotels inside the premises.
Firefighters faced considerable difficulty during the rescue operation because dense smoke had filled the building. A police officer said the smoke made it difficult for emergency personnel to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors.
Although the flames have been extinguished, cooling operations were continuing because the structure remained extremely hot. Police also warned that the death toll could rise as rescue and search operations continued.
The building is located close to the headquarters of the West Bengal Fire Department.
Police said the owner of the building was currently absconding. A case is being registered at New Market police station, and proceedings have been initiated against the owner.
Police teams have also reportedly begun searches at the owner’s residence as part of efforts to locate him and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities are investigating whether violations of fire safety and construction regulations contributed to the tragedy. Officials are also examining the building’s hotel operations and emergency preparedness.
The Chief Minister’s Office said West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was likely to visit the site to assess the situation and review the ongoing relief and investigation efforts.
The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety compliance in densely populated commercial buildings, particularly those housing multiple establishments and accommodation facilities.
