Kolkata, April 30: A devastating fire at the Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata has claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals, as per police reports. The inferno erupted around 7:30 PM on Tuesday, primarily causing fatalities through suffocation. Tragically, one victim died after falling from the building while attempting to escape the flames.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the death toll, stating the blaze was under control by about 1 AM the next day, following the deployment of ten fire engines to the scene. “Till now, 14 casualties have been reported,” he said, addressing the media.
In a bid to uncover the cause of the fire and assess the safety measures in place, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established. Investigators will also examine the challenges faced by guests during the evacuation process. Preliminary reports indicate that many victims were trapped in their rooms when the fire rapidly spread through the five-story hotel, which sits atop a commercial storage facility. The thick smoke filled the establishment, complicating escape efforts for those inside.
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar has urged the state administration to take immediate action to assist those affected, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of fire safety protocols. “I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance,” Majumdar stated in a post on X. He further called for stringent monitoring of fire safety measures to avert future tragedies.
Echoing similar concerns, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh pointed to ongoing issues of illegal construction and government negligence as contributing factors to the disaster. “There is a lot of illegal construction everywhere. The government is corrupt and hence permits illegal building practices. This incident is unfortunate, and the government must enforce safety regulations,” Ghosh remarked in an interview with IANS.
As the community reels from this catastrophe, questions about the adequacy of safety measures in hotels and public buildings are taking center stage. The local administration faces mounting pressure to enhance regulatory practices and ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of fire safety in residential and commercial structures alike. The focus now shifts to the investigation, with the hope that it will lead to improved safety standards and prevent future loss of life.
The Rituraj Hotel fire is a tragic event that highlights urgent gaps in safety protocols. With a thorough investigation underway, survivors and families of victims are left navigating the aftermath, while advocates for change insist on accountability from the authorities.
As this story develops, vigilance in safety regulations remains paramount to safeguarding lives and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/04/30/14-dead-in-kolkata-hotel-fire-probe-ordered/
Category : NATIONAL,News Alert
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-04-30 12:45:00
