Kolkata: A fire in a small hotel in the heart of Kolkata, eastern India, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least nine lives, including a child, and left at least six others injured. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
According to Thai News Agency, the fire erupted this morning around 2:50 AM local time, or 4:50 AM Thailand time, on the second floor of the hotel building. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within approximately an hour. Authorities were initially able to rescue around 30 individuals from the burning building.
The suspected cause of the fire is an electrical short circuit, though police continue to investigate to determine the actual cause. Reports from local media indicate that some of the deceased were Bangladeshi nationals who had come to Kolkata for medical treatment, as the hotel was situated in a crowded area, known for offering budget-friendly accommodation. Police are currently working to verify the nationalities of all the deceased.