A fire at the Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata on Tuesday evening claimed at least 14 lives and injured several others, according to police reports. The blaze, which required six fire engines to control, erupted suddenly and spread rapidly through the building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The fire broke out at the Rituraj Hotel in the Mechhua area of central Kolkata around 7:30 p.m. Guests were caught off-guard as flames and smoke engulfed the upper floors of the building. Some attempted to escape by breaking windows and climbing onto narrow ledges, while others remained trapped inside.
Six fire engines were dispatched to the site, and firefighters battled the flames for several hours. Emergency personnel rescued several guests using ladders and broke through windows to reach those stuck inside. Ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
At least 14 people died in the incident. Several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. One person reportedly died after jumping from the terrace in a desperate attempt to escape the fire. Authorities are in the process of identifying the victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the tragedy, stating he was “anguished” by the loss of lives. Senior fire and police officials visited the site and assured that a thorough probe would be conducted. The West Bengal government has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.
Initial observations suggest possible lapses in fire safety measures. Officials noted that fire extinguishers and emergency exits may not have been adequately maintained. The investigation will focus on whether the hotel violated building or safety codes. Legal action will follow if negligence is confirmed.
The deadly fire at the Rituraj Hotel highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial buildings. Authorities have pledged stricter enforcement and monitoring to prevent such tragedies in the future.
