Nine die in India hotel fire

At least nine people, including a child, died in a devastating fire that engulfed a hotel in Kolkata, India, early Wednesday morning. Senior fire officials reported that the blaze caused thick smoke, leading to some victims being discovered in bathrooms.

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Nine people were killed, including a child, in the fire that broke out early on Wednesday.

Anuj Sharma, the director of fire services for West Bengal state, confirmed the fatalities and stated that nine individuals were rescued and transported to the hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest that an explosion in an air conditioning unit may have ignited the fire, which spread rapidly through the budget hotel.

Sixty guests were reportedly inside the hotel when the fire broke out. Among the rescued were six men, two women, and one child. Some of the victims are believed to be Bangladeshi nationals who had traveled to Kolkata for medical treatment, according to Santosh Pathak, a member of West Bengal's ruling party, who added that efforts are underway to confirm the nationalities of all those affected.

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Thick smoke enveloped the hotel. Some victims were found in the bathrooms.

Fires in India are a recurring issue, often attributed to inadequate firefighting equipment and a general disregard for safety regulations in buildings. This incident highlights the persistent challenges authorities face in ensuring fire safety standards across the country.

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We are trying to confirm the nationality of the victims.