A devastating fire engulfed a hotel in the Mechuapatti area of central Kolkata on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and leaving several others injured, according to police reports. The fire reportedly began around 8:15 p.m., prompting an urgent response from the fire and rescue departments.
Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, who briefed the media, confirmed the number of casualties and stated that many people had to be rescued from both the rooms and the rooftop of the hotel. Rescue visuals captured scenes of chaos as panicked guests tried to escape through windows and narrow ledges. Two individuals sustained serious injuries after jumping from the fourth floor in a desperate attempt to flee the flames.
Despite the challenges posed by the densely packed area — which is also home to eastern India’s largest wholesale market — ten fire engines managed to bring the fire under control. Firefighters faced significant difficulty maneuvering in the narrow lanes while conducting rescue and dousing operations.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Police Commissioner Verma were on-site to supervise the emergency response. Although the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown, preliminary suspicions point to an electrical short circuit as the likely trigger. Cooling operations are ongoing, and a detailed investigation is expected to follow to determine the cause and assess any potential negligence.
