Nine dead in fire at budget hotel in Kolkata – investigation into cause underway

The city's police chief, Anuj Sharma, confirmed the death toll and announced an in-depth investigation. According to initial findings, faulty electrical wiring or an overloaded air conditioning unit may have triggered the fire, but a final statement has not yet been made. The Indian fire brigade said it arrived at the scene within a few minutes.

Investigations and safety standards

At the time of reporting, parts of the building could not be entered. Emergency crews checked the structure for risk of collapse and searched the upper floors for further possible victims. The authorities set up a contact point for relatives to report missing persons and exchange information.

According to local media reports, travelers from neighboring Bangladesh were also among the hotel's guests. The Bangladeshi diplomatic mission in Kolkata was informed in order to coordinate consular assistance for any citizens. The exact number of foreign guests has not yet been publicly stated.

Safety standards in budget hotels in India's major cities have been criticized for years. Recurring reports of missing escape routes, blocked emergency exits, and lack of fire alarms have led to calls for stricter inspections. The case in Kolkata is likely to reignite this debate.

Reactions from the authorities and victim assistance

Indian media reported that firefighters worked under difficult conditions. Narrow stairwells, stored luggage, and dense smoke made access to the upper floors difficult. Several guests had to be rescued from windows using ladders and improvised aids.

Police announced that the owners and management of the hotel would be questioned following the firefighting and forensic work. Among other things, fire safety permits, room occupancy, and possible violations of building regulations are to be examined. Results are expected in the coming days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced state aid payments. The government of the state of West Bengal, in which Kolkata is located, also assured support for the relatives. The names of the deceased have not yet been fully released, as forensic identification is ongoing.

A special task force has been set up by police for the ongoing investigation. It is to clarify both the cause of the fire and possible responsibilities, and to submit a final report to the public prosecutor's office. Affected families were also referred to psychological support services.