A devastating fire at the Rituraj Hotel in eastern Kolkata has claimed the lives of at least 14 people, city officials confirmed late Tuesday.
The blaze, which erupted on Tuesday night, prompted a large-scale rescue operation as firefighters battled the flames and emergency personnel moved bodies into ambulances. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the death toll after initial uncertainty.
“The incident of fire that took place at Rituraj Hotel has killed at least 14 people as of now,” Verma said. “There was some confusion earlier, but the number has now been verified.”
Several hotel guests attempted to flee the inferno, with one person critically injured after jumping from the building to escape. Others suffered from suffocation but were successfully rescued and transported to nearby hospitals.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said emergency teams acted swiftly to evacuate those trapped on the upper floors.
“At least 15 people who had run to the terrace were safely moved to the rooftop of a neighbouring building using ladders,” Hakim said. “Five people were treated for suffocation, and the individual who jumped sustained serious fractures.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is underway to determine how the deadly incident unfolded.