Kolkata Fire Tragedy Claims 14 Lives; PM Modi Announces Compensation, CM Orders Inquiry
Kolkata, April 30 — A devastating fire at a budget hotel in the Machhuapatti area of central Kolkata claimed the lives of 14 people, including a woman and two children, late Tuesday evening. The incident, which took place at Rituraj Hotel near the Burrabazar locality, also left 13 others injured. Initial reports had suggested 15 fatalities, but Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma later confirmed the final death toll at 14 after verification.
The blaze erupted around 7:30 pm and raged through the hotel premises for nearly 10 hours before it was brought under control early Wednesday morning by firefighters. Ten fire tenders were deployed by the state’s Fire and Emergency Services Department, which struggled through the night to contain the flames. According to officials, there were 88 guests staying across the hotel’s 42 rooms at the time of the incident.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire. As per agency report, forensic experts have been dispatched to examine the scene, which has been sealed off for investigation. The presence of highly flammable materials inside the building is believed to have exacerbated the fire’s intensity, prompting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to initiate a formal inquiry into the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured person from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi described the loss of lives as deeply saddening and extended his wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who confirmed the death toll at 14, said she personally oversaw the firefighting and rescue operations through the night. She stated that orders had been given for a thorough investigation into the incident. The Chief Minister emphasized that the presence of combustible substances inside the hotel contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and assured full support to the affected families.
A senior police officer stated that 11 of the deceased were male, with eight of them already identified. The victims also included a young boy, a girl, and a woman. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by Kolkata Police to probe the incident and determine accountability.
