Tragic fire incident in a Kolkata hotel claims 14 lives, several injured

A fire that broke out in a hotel near Falpatti Machhua in central Kolkata on Tuesday has resulted in 14 fatalities and multiple injuries, reported ANI.

“This fire incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. at the premises of Rituraj Hotel. Fourteen bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued by the teams,” the report quoted Manoj Kumar Verma, Kolkata Police Commissioner.

According to the Police Commissioner, the fire is currently under control and rescue operations are underway.

"The fire is under control, and rescue is underway. Further investigation is underway. A special team has also been formed for the investigation," he said.

The exact cause of the fire is not known yet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 each for the injured.

“Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences.

In a post on X, she wrote, “My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in Burra Bazar area. I monitored the rescue and fire fight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area. 14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. Investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim families and solidarity for all affected.”

Additionally, the West Bengal government has announced to provide an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the families of deceased, while the injured persons will get ₹50,000, reported ANI.

Previously, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar had asked authorities to rescue the affected immediately and urged for "stricter monitoring" of fire safety measures to avoid similar incidents.

"I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future," he said in a post on X.

Following the incident, the West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar criticised the Kolkata Corporation.

"This is a tragic incident. A fire broke out...A lot of people are still stuck in the building. There was no safety or security...I don't know what the corporation is doing," Sarkar told ANI.

Fire at Falpatti Machhu in Kolkata

This is the second fire incident reported from Kolkata in the last two days. On April 29, 2025, a fire broke out in a building near Falpatti Machhu in Kolkata. Firefighters rushed to the location and initiated measures to douse the fire. No casualties have been reported so far. The exact cause of the incident is not known yet.

(With inputs from ANI)