14 Killed As Fire Rips Through Hotel In Central Kolkata

Kolkata: 14 people including two children and a woman died while 13 others were injured in a devastating fire that broke out at a hotel in Burrabazar of the central part of the city on Tuesday evening.

Prime minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Mamata Banerjee mourned the loss of lives in the tragedy and announced compensation for the victims.

The fire broke out at Rituraj Hotel in Mechhua fruits market at around 7.30 pm.

There were more than 100 guests in 42 rooms of the six storey building at that time. 10 fire engines were pressed into service to douse the blaze. The origin of the fire was traced to the first floor from where the flames spread to other floors.

Many guests fell trapped inside. One of them, Ananda Paswan, managed to reach the cornice of the hotel in panic and jumped off. He was rushed with injuries to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital where he was declared dead.

The fire brigade personnel also had a tough time rescuing the guests. Using stairs, they broke the windows to make entry.

Confirming the death toll on Wednesday morning, Ms Banerjee who has been in Digha for the inauguration of Jagannath Temple, stated, “My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in Burra Bazar area.”

She elaborated, “I monitored the rescue and fire fight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area. 14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. Investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim families and solidarity for all affected.”

The CM said, “Continuing to monitor the fallout of the unfortunate fire incident at a private hotel (Rituraj) in the Burra Bazar area and appreciate the Fire Services' and police efforts in rescuing around 99 persons from out of most adverse circumstances.”

She added, “Also thankful to the local people for their cooperation and help in rescue operations. It has been preliminarily reported to me that those who died were victims of suffocation/ jumping etc. Further investigations are going on. State Government will give an ex-gratia @ 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured persons will get 50,000/- each.”

Mr Modi said, “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi.”

Quoting Governor CV Ananda Bose, the Raj Bhavan said, “HG conveys his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in the fire accident that has taken place in a Hotel in Burrabazar area. HG urges everyone to be aware of the safety measures that have to be necessarily in place to avert such mishaps.”