Kolkata, 19 August 19 (H.S.): At least nine people, including children, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel on Free School Street in central Kolkata late Tuesday night. The blaze spread rapidly, engulfing parts of several adjoining hotels and triggering panic among guests and residents in the area.

According to preliminary information, the fire broke out on the third floor of a hotel shortly before 2 a.m. As smoke quickly filled the rooms, guests rushed to escape. Several people reportedly fell unconscious after inhaling smoke and were rescued from the premises before being taken to nearby hospitals.

The Kolkata Fire and Emergency Services received information about the incident at around 2:07 a.m. Multiple fire engines were immediately dispatched to the spot. Personnel from New Market Police Station and the Disaster Management Department also joined the rescue operation.

The hotel is located inside a narrow lane, making it difficult for fire engines to reach the building. Firefighters initially attempted to control the blaze from outside before entering the premises and launching an extensive search and rescue operation.

Fire officials have initially suspected a short circuit as the possible cause of the fire. However, the exact cause will be established only after a detailed investigation. A forensic team is also expected to examine the scene.

The Kolkata tragedy comes just two days after a hotel fire in Tarapith, Birbhum, in which nine people were killed. Police subsequently arrested hotel owner Prabir Pal and his son Kalyan Ashish Pal in connection with that incident.

The latest incident also brings back memories of the hotel fire in the Mechhua fruit market area of central Kolkata nearly a year ago, in which 14 people lost their lives.

The recurrence of deadly fires at hotels has raised serious questions over fire safety arrangements, emergency exits, electrical systems and compliance with safety norms in hotels across the city.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh