Child among nine killed in Kolkata hotel fire

News Desk 

Kolkata: A pre-dawn fire at a hotel in the Indian city of Kolkata has claimed the lives of nine people, including a child, while at least six others were injured, according to Indian media reports.

The blaze broke out at around 2:50am local time on the second floor of the hotel, catching guests during the early hours when most people were asleep. Firefighters brought the blaze under control within about an hour.

Around 30 people were reportedly rescued from the building during the emergency operation.

Among those killed were Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment, Indian media reported, adding an international dimension to the tragedy.

Police and emergency teams are investigating the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, although authorities have yet to establish the cause conclusively.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness in hotels and other densely occupied buildings, particularly during nighttime emergencies when evacuation can be more difficult.

The injured were shifted for medical treatment, while authorities continued to assess the building and investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly fire. Around 30 people were reportedly rescued from the building during the emergency operation.