India hotel fire kills 9; AC explosion suspected

A devastating fire erupted at the "Shika Inn" hotel in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, claiming the lives of nine people, including a child. The blaze engulfed the hotel in thick smoke, with some victims discovered in bathrooms. Preliminary information indicates that the fire may have originated from an explosion in the hotel's air conditioning system, according to West Bengal Fire Services Director Anuj Sharma.

Following the incident, forensic teams were dispatched to the scene to conduct an investigation. The police stated that 60 guests were staying at the hotel at the time of the fire. Six individuals sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences and assuring that local authorities were providing assistance to those affected and wishing the injured a swift recovery.

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The preliminary information shows that the air conditioning unit of 'Shika Inn' may have exploded and caused the fire.

This tragic event underscores a persistent issue with building fires in India, often attributed to a lack of adequate fire safety equipment and a general disregard for safety regulations. Alarmingly, this incident occurred just two days after another fatal hotel fire in the holy city of Tarapith, also in West Bengal, which resulted in eight deaths. The frequency of such disasters highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of fire safety standards across the country.

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I am extremely saddened by this incident. The local government is providing all possible assistance to those affected. May the injured recover soon.