A massive fire at a hotel on Kolkata’s Free School Street claimed nine lives, including that of a child.
Nine people, including a child, were killed after a major fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib (Free School) Street in Kolkata in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19. Six others were injured in the blaze and are undergoing medical treatment.
According to the police, the fire was reported at around 2 am at Shika Inn, located at 15, Mirza Ghalib Street under the jurisdiction of New Market Police Station.
After receiving information about the blaze, a team from New Market Police Station immediately reached the spot. The Fire Brigade and CESC authorities were also alerted and called in to assist with the rescue and firefighting operations.
Four Fire Brigade tenders from the Fire Brigade Headquarters and Free School Street Fire Station reached the hotel and launched an intensive rescue operation.
Police personnel simultaneously worked to control the crowd and traffic, maintain law and order and assist in evacuating people trapped inside the building.
During the operation, around 60 people were rescued from the hotel and brought to safety.
However, nine people, including two women and a child, were found unconscious inside the premises. They were immediately taken to Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.
According to the Fire Department, all nine deceased were Bangladeshi nationals who had reportedly travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment.
The rescue and firefighting operation continued for several hours and was completed at around 4:30 am.
Police said the situation in the area is currently peaceful and under control. Adequate personnel have been deployed at the site, while the hotel premises have been secured and preserved for further investigation.
