Death toll rises to 15 in Burrabazar hotel fire, SIT formed to probe case

A devastating fire tore through a six-story hotel in Kolkata’s densely populated Burrabazar area on Tuesday night, killing at least 14 people and injuring several others. Most of the victims died due to suffocation, while one man tragically lost his life after falling from the building while trying to escape the flames.

The fire began around 7:30 pm at the Rituraj Hotel, located on Madanmohan Street (Machhua), and quickly spread across the structure. Firefighters responded swiftly, with ten fire engines deployed to battle the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire was only brought under control by 1 am on Wednesday.

The Kolkata Police have launched an investigation and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest that the hotel, built atop a commercial godown, became a death trap as smoke rapidly engulfed the stairwells and corridors, leaving guests stranded.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and desperation as guests attempted to flee. Some climbed to the rooftop, while others clung to window parapets. Firefighters used hydraulic ladders to rescue those trapped outside, and many on the terrace used their phone flashlights to signal for help. Authorities also used loudspeakers to communicate with those stuck on upper floors, asking them to stay calm.

At Kolkata Medical College Hospital, several injured guests are being treated. One of the deceased, identified as Sanjoy Paswan, died after falling from the building. The remaining 13 bodies were recovered by rescue teams only after the fire was completely subdued in the early hours of Wednesday. According to latest reports, the death toll has increased to 15.