Fire Breaks Out in Kolkata Hotel, 14 Dead, 22 Rescued: SIT to Investigate

KKN Gurugram Desk | A devastating fire broke out in a hotel in the Falapatti Machhua area of Kolkata on Tuesday night, resulting in the death of 14 people and injuring 13 others. The fire has now been brought under control, and 22 individuals have been rescued from the building. The incident occurred at the Rituraj Hotel around 8:15 PM, triggering an emergency response from local authorities.

Details of the Tragic Incident

According to the police, among the deceased are two women and a child. The remaining 11 fatalities include eight men, with some of the victims identified. Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the electricity meter on the hotel’s fourth floor. As the fire spread, many trapped individuals were seen jumping from the hotel’s windows and rooftop in a desperate attempt to escape the flames.

The fire department and police teams quickly arrived at the scene and initiated a rescue operation. By the morning of Wednesday, the operation continued as rescue teams managed to evacuate individuals who were stuck inside the building. As of now, 14 bodies have been recovered, and the investigation is ongoing.

Fire Safety and Concerns Raised by Local Leaders

In the wake of this tragic event, local leaders have expressed concern over the lack of safety measures in the hotel. Sukhanta Majumdar, the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bengal, urged the state administration to ensure that immediate aid and safety measures are provided to the affected people. He further called for stricter fire safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.

Shubhankar Sarkar, the president of the West Bengal Congress, also criticized the lack of safety arrangements at the hotel. He expressed his dismay at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s negligence in ensuring the safety of the citizens.

Rescue Operation and Efforts to Save Lives

The dramatic rescue operation involved fire brigades and police officers working tirelessly through the night. Many of the people trapped inside the hotel were seen jumping out of the windows and trying to escape from the roof. The images of people leaping from the building left an indelible mark on everyone watching the distressing scene unfold.

The fire brigade and rescue teams broke into the building through the windows, rescuing people trapped inside. The operation was carried out methodically, and despite the challenging circumstances, the teams were able to save 22 individuals. The fire department continued to manage the situation well into the morning, ensuring the safety of the remaining people and securing the building from further damage.

Cause of the Fire: Initial Findings

According to preliminary reports from the authorities, the fire appears to have started due to a short circuit in the electrical meter on the fourth floor of the hotel. The fire spread rapidly, fueled by the building’s structure and the electrical systems. This has raised concerns about fire safety measures, especially in high-rise buildings that may not have adequate safety precautions in place to protect residents and workers during such emergencies.

Political Reactions and Calls for Action

In response to the incident, political leaders have been vocal about the need for stricter fire safety regulations in the state. Sukhanta Majumdar, the BJP president of Bengal, demanded that the state government provide immediate assistance to the affected families and ensure such an incident does not happen again. He also called for the implementation of more stringent fire safety rules to ensure the safety of public spaces.

The West Bengal Congress President, Shubhankar Sarkar, criticized the local government for not ensuring adequate safety measures at the hotel. He questioned the role of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the local authorities, stating that the lack of preparedness in the event of such a disaster was unacceptable. The tragic event has drawn widespread attention to the importance of safety measures in public buildings and residential areas.

Fire Safety Concerns and Prevention

This tragic incident has reignited discussions about fire safety in high-rise buildings and commercial properties. With incidents like this becoming more frequent, especially in densely populated urban areas, experts emphasize the need for stricter safety measures.

Buildings must adhere to fire safety norms that include proper electrical wiring, working fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and adequate training for staff and residents on how to handle such emergencies. The incident also underscores the need for more regular safety drills and inspections to ensure that safety protocols are followed diligently.

Kolkata’s Hotel Fire: The Aftermath and Legal Implications

The fire in Kolkata’s hotel has left the local community shaken. Along with the loss of lives, the incident has raised questions about building regulations and safety standards in the hospitality industry. Investigations are ongoing, with a special investigation team (SIT) formed to probe the causes of the fire and hold those responsible accountable.

The SIT will examine the safety measures implemented in the hotel, the adequacy of emergency exits, and the effectiveness of fire safety equipment like alarms and sprinklers. Authorities are likely to impose stricter regulations on hotels and other commercial buildings to prevent such incidents from happening again.

National Safety Concerns: A Broader Issue

The Kolkata hotel fire is not an isolated incident. Across India, there have been increasing reports of fires breaking out in hotels, factories, and residential buildings, often due to faulty electrical systems, inadequate safety measures, or negligence on the part of the building owners. One such incident recently occurred in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where a paper factory caught fire, resulting in significant losses. These incidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures across the country.

How to Ensure Fire Safety in Homes and Buildings

In light of these recent events, it’s essential to highlight some basic fire safety precautions that can help prevent such disasters:

1. Regular Electrical Inspections: Ensure that electrical wiring and appliances are inspected regularly by a certified professional to prevent short circuits and electrical fires.

2. Install Fire Alarms: Install smoke detectors and fire alarms in every room and hallway to alert occupants in case of a fire.

3. Proper Fire Exits: Every building, especially high-rise hotels and commercial properties, should have clearly marked emergency exits that are easily accessible.

4. Fire Extinguishers: Ensure that fire extinguishers are available on each floor of the building and that staff are trained in their use.

5. Avoid Overloading Electrical Circuits: Prevent the use of multiple high-energy-consuming appliances in the same socket, as this can lead to electrical overloads and fires.

The devastating fire at a hotel in Kolkata has claimed several lives and brought the issue of fire safety to the forefront. While the cause of the fire has been identified as a short circuit, the incident reveals the larger issue of inadequate safety measures in buildings, especially in busy urban areas like Kolkata.

As investigations continue and authorities seek to hold those responsible accountable, this tragedy serves as a wake-up call for both the government and property owners to improve fire safety protocols. Strict enforcement of safety standards, regular inspections, and public awareness campaigns are crucial in preventing such disasters in the future. As the community recovers from this loss, it is clear that fire safety must be a priority for the well-being of all residents and visitors in urban areas.