Kolkata, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
At least nine people, including a woman and a child, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata early Wednesday, triggering a major rescue operation.
Firefighters from a station located near the hotel rushed to the spot soon after the blaze was reported and recovered nine bodies from the building. A major portion of the hotel was affected by the fire.
Six other people were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, where their condition was reported to be serious. Several others were also evacuated from the premises.
Fire services personnel, police from the New Market Police Station and members of the state disaster management team joined the rescue and firefighting operation.
The hotel is located in a narrow lane, making it difficult for fire engines to reach the building. Firefighters initially attempted to control the blaze from outside before entering the premises to carry out rescue operations.
A fire services official at the site said a short circuit was suspected to have triggered the blaze, but added that the exact cause would be established only after a detailed investigation and forensic examination.
“The guests were asleep when the fire broke out,” officials said. Eyewitnesses reported that flames were initially not visible from outside, with black smoke emerging from the building.
Initial reports suggested that the hotel had narrow entry and exit routes, creating difficulties for guests attempting to escape. Around 60 people were reportedly evacuated, while several others became unconscious and were taken to hospital.
Hospital sources said there were no obvious burn injuries or scratch marks on the bodies recovered so far. Doctors suspect that some of the victims may have died from suffocation caused by smoke inhalation, although the exact cause of death will be established after post-mortem examinations.
The incident has also raised questions over fire safety arrangements at the hotel and neighbouring buildings. Police have cordoned off the area and begun investigating whether adequate fire prevention and firefighting systems were in place.
According to preliminary reports, the hotel’s lift stopped functioning soon after the fire broke out. Some occupants attempted to escape using the stairs but reportedly struggled to find an exit as thick smoke spread through the building.
The incident comes just two days after seven people were killed in a hotel fire in Tarapith in Birbhum district. Following that incident, hotel owner Prabir Pal and his son Kalyan Pal were arrested by Tarapith Police.
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