What Caused the Kolkata Hotel Fire that Led to 14 Deaths?
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Synopsis
A tragic fire at a Kolkata hotel resulted in the loss of 14 lives, including children. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attributes the disaster to stored combustible materials, leading to questions about fire safety regulations. Prime Minister Modi has offered compensation to victims' families as investigations unfold.
Key Takeaways
- 14 lives lost due to fire in a Kolkata hotel.
- Mamata Banerjee cites combustible materials as the cause.
- Investigation into fire safety regulations initiated.
- Prime Minister Modi offers compensation to victims.
- Concerns raised about illegal constructions in the area.
Kolkata, April 30 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, stated on Wednesday that the tragic fire incident at a Kolkata hotel was due to the presence of combustible materials stored within the premises.
The fire, which erupted on Tuesday night, resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives, including two children.
The CM conveyed her heartfelt condolences over the devastating event that occurred at a six-story hotel located on Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata.
As of the time this report was prepared, the Chief Minister had not disclosed any compensation plans for the fire victims, which occurred on Tuesday night.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF to the families of each deceased individual and ₹50,000 for those injured.
In her statement, she expressed, “My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident at the private hotel (Rituraj) in BurraBazar area,” which she shared on her official X handle.
Currently, she is in Digha in the East Midnapore district, accompanied by nearly her whole cabinet, for the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath Temple, designed after the famous Shree Jagannath Dham temple in Puri, Odisha.
She assured that she had been overseeing the rescue and firefighting operations throughout the night, mobilizing maximum fire brigade resources in the vicinity.
“A total of 14 lives were lost due to the combustible materials stored inside. An investigation has been initiated. My condolences to the families of the victims, and solidarity for all affected,” she remarked.
The BJP councillor from Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Sajal Ghosh, who arrived at the scene in the morning, indicated that such incidents could occur in many buildings in the area, which is a bustling commercial center.
“Most of these structures are illegal constructions, lacking even the most basic fire safety measures. Similar fire incidents have happened in the past within these illegal buildings. Yet, the corporation, police, and state fire services seem reluctant to act against such unlawful constructions for obvious reasons,” Ghosh stated.
Meanwhile, concerns have emerged regarding the complete absence of fire safety protocols in the building.
The hotel owner has reportedly been untraceable since the fire broke out, and the hotel staff are also unaware of his location.
A preliminary investigation has uncovered three significant failures in ensuring safety measures by the hotel authorities, including a lack of proper internal fire extinguishing systems, insufficient ventilation, and inadequate escape routes.
Point of View
It's crucial to address the systemic issues surrounding fire safety in urban areas. This tragic incident raises important questions about compliance with safety regulations in Kolkata's commercial buildings. While the state and local authorities must take responsibility, the focus should also be on ensuring that such tragedies do not recur. The community deserves to feel safe in their environments.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in the Kolkata hotel?
The fire was caused by combustible materials stored inside the hotel.
How many casualties were reported?
At least 14 individuals, including two children, lost their lives in the fire.
What has the Chief Minister said about the incident?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences and stated that she is overseeing the rescue operations.
What compensation has been announced for the victims?
Prime Minister Modi announced ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
What safety measures were lacking in the hotel?
The hotel lacked adequate internal fire extinguishing systems, proper ventilation, and alternative escape routes.
