Tragedy Strikes Kolkata Hotel: 14 Dead in Devastating Fire

A devastating fire ripped through Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata, India, on Tuesday evening, claiming the lives of 14 people, including two children. The blaze, which started around Tuesday night, sent shockwaves through the city and sparked an outpouring of grief and concern.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with a special team formed by Kolkata police to probe the incident. Authorities say the fire is now under control, but rescue operations are ongoing.

Desperate Escape and Heroic Rescue Efforts

Horrific videos captured the harrowing moments as guests desperately fled the blaze, some resorting to climbing onto ledges outside their room windows to escape the flames. Witnesses said that guests used flashlights from their phones to signal for help from the rooftop.

Firefighters arrived at the scene and utilized hydraulic ladders to rescue those stranded on the ledges. Tragically, many victims were guests who couldn’t escape their rooms in time.

Government Response and Calls for Safety Review

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the loss of lives and pledged financial assistance to the families of the victims. The incident has reignited concerns about fire safety regulations in India, particularly in crowded urban areas.

Manoj Kumar Verma, the Kolkata police chief, stated that the investigation will focus on the evacuation challenges faced by guests and the functionality of fire exits.

Sashi Panja, the state’s social welfare minister, attributed the fatalities to suffocation, noting the heroic efforts of the fire brigade.

Sukanta Majumdar, a junior federal minister and leader of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal, criticized the state government and called for stricter fire safety monitoring to prevent future tragedies.

India’s History with Deadly Fires

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Last year, a fire at a games arcade in Gujarat claimed 27 lives, and months later, 10 newborns died in a hospital fire in Uttar Pradesh. These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved fire safety measures and enforcement in India.