Did the Kolkata Hotel Fire Reveal Critical Safety Failures?

Kolkata, April 30 (NationPress) In the wake of a tragic fire that engulfed a six-storey hotel on Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata early Wednesday morning, leading to the loss of 14 lives, serious questions have arisen regarding the hotel's fire safety protocols.

Reports indicate that the hotel owner has gone missing since the inferno erupted late Tuesday night, leaving staff members clueless about his location.

A preliminary inquiry has uncovered three significant deficiencies in the hotel's safety measures: an absence of sufficient internal fire extinguishing systems, inadequate ventilation, and a singular entry and exit route.

“The inadequacy of ventilation is starkly highlighted by the fact that of the 14 fatalities, 13 succumbed not to flames but to the choking smoke. The 14th individual died after jumping in panic,” stated a representative from the state fire services present at the scene.

Moreover, guests and employees alike voiced concerns regarding the hotel's single point of entry and exit, which presents a serious risk for a multi-storey establishment. “If there had been at least one more exit, perhaps more lives could have been spared,” remarked a local resident.

Additionally, the official from the state fire services noted a lack of adequate internal fire extinguishing measures, including insufficient water reserves for emergencies.

“Although there was a pipeline in place, the water supply in the reservoir was inadequate. Had it been sufficient, individuals inside could have initiated fire suppression efforts before firefighters arrived,” the official explained.

The state's fire services minister, Sujit Bose, acknowledged these shortcomings after visiting the scene on Wednesday morning. “The hotel management exhibited numerous failings. There were no systems in place to manage such emergencies effectively. The building's glass walls offered minimal ventilation and smoke-extraction facilities. In many instances, firefighters had to break the glass to access the fire's base. Legal actions will be pursued against the hotel authorities as mandated,” Bose stated.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Banerjee is currently in Digha, East Midnapore district, along with most of her cabinet, for the inauguration of a Lord Jagannath Temple modeled after the renowned Shree Jagannath Dham temple in Odisha.

In a reaction to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the families of each victim and Rs 50,000 for those injured.