At Least Nine Killed in Hotel Fire in India’s Kolkata
A suspected air-conditioner malfunction sparked a deadly blaze at a Kolkata hotel, killing nine people, including a child.
- Nine people, including a child, killed.
- Faulty air conditioner suspected.
- Six others reportedly injured.
At least nine people, including a child, have been killed after a fire tore through a hotel in the Indian city of Kolkata early Wednesday, authorities said.
West Bengal Fire Services Director Anuj Sharma told AFP that the victims died after thick smoke engulfed the hotel. Some of those who died were reportedly found inside bathrooms.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a faulty air conditioner at the budget Shika Inn hotel may have exploded, triggering the blaze, Sharma said.
Firefighters eventually brought the fire under control, after which a forensic team was deployed to examine the scene and determine the exact cause of the incident.
Police said about 60 guests were staying at the hotel when the fire broke out. Local media reports indicated that six other people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
Hotel and building fires are relatively common in India, where authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate firefighting equipment and non-compliance with safety regulations.
Investigations into the Kolkata fire are continuing as officials work to establish the circumstances that led to the deadly blaze.
