What Led to the Rising Death Toll in Kolkata's Hotel Fire?
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Synopsis
The recent hotel fire in Kolkata has raised grave concerns over fire safety regulations. With the death toll now at 15, revelations of severe lapses in safety measures prompt a critical investigation into the hotel's management and regulatory compliance.
Key Takeaways
- 15 fatalities reported due to the hotel fire.
- Severe lapses in fire safety measures were acknowledged.
- The hotel operated without a valid fire license for three years.
- Victims primarily died from smoke inhalation rather than burns.
- The emergency exit was blocked, hampering evacuation efforts.
Kolkata, April 30 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, the death toll from the catastrophic blaze at a six-story hotel located on Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata has tragically climbed to 15. A senior official from the West Bengal government, along with a cabinet member, acknowledged significant failures in fire safety protocols at the establishment.
The director general of the state fire services, Ranveer Kumar, who arrived at the scene on Wednesday, disclosed that the hotel's fire license had lapsed three years ago, and the management failed to renew it.
The fire erupted at the hotel on Tuesday night.
Fire Minister Sujit Bose admitted that the fire alarm system was not operational.
Additionally, he confirmed that the fire suppression equipment was ineffective during the critical moments.
Preliminary investigations have uncovered other major oversights regarding emergency evacuation strategies and ventilation systems at the hotel. Consequently, many fatalities occurred not from burns but from smoke-induced suffocation.
Reports indicate that 13 victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, while one individual died after jumping from a floor in panic. The cause of death for the 15th victim is still under investigation. Many of the deceased were visitors from outside Kolkata, including some from Tamil Nadu.
“The hotel had only one entry and exit point, while the emergency exit was obstructed by construction materials related to ongoing renovation efforts. If the emergency exit had been operational, casualties could have been significantly reduced,” stated a state fire services officer.
Moreover, the hotel was entirely enclosed with glass, lacking adequate ventilation, which prevented smoke from dissipating and contributed to the fatalities due to suffocation.
The police have already filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the hotel management. Both owners have been untraceable since Tuesday night. The state has established a special investigation team to look into the incident.
Local residents have voiced concerns that despite multiple complaints regarding illegal constructions at the hotel, neither the Kolkata Municipal Corporation nor the local police took action to avert the tragedy.
Point of View
It is vital to reflect on the systemic failures that have led to such a tragic loss of life. The situation in Kolkata underscores the necessity for stringent enforcement of fire safety regulations and the importance of accountability among hotel owners and local authorities. Our commitment to reporting on these issues is unwavering, as we aim to foster a safer environment for all citizens.
NationPress
Apr 30, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in the Kolkata hotel?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that severe lapses in fire safety protocols contributed to the tragedy.
How many people died in the Kolkata hotel fire?
The death toll has tragically risen to 15, with many victims succumbing to smoke-related suffocation.
What safety measures were lacking at the hotel?
The hotel had an expired fire license, non-functional fire alarms, and inadequate emergency evacuation routes, which contributed to the high casualty rate.
Is there an ongoing investigation into the incident?
Yes, the state government has formed a special investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding the fire and the hotel's management.
What actions are being taken against the hotel owners?
The police have registered an FIR against the hotel authorities, who have been missing since the fire broke out.
