A major fire breaks out at a hotel in central Kolkata early Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people and injuring six others. Multiple outlets report the blaze starts around about 2 a.m., and fire and emergency services quickly respond. Rescue operations continue through the night, and officials state the fire is brought under control.
According to reports citing PTI and other initial accounts, the deceased are Bangladeshi nationals who were in the city for medical treatment. NDTV and other sources note that the exact cause is not confirmed, but NDTV specifically reports that an air-conditioner blast is suspected as a possible trigger. Times of India also mentions a separate fatal hotel fire in Birbhum, with seven deaths, while authorities investigate both incidents.
Outlets largely align on the death toll, injuries, location, and timing, while differing mainly on emphasis: some foreground the victims’ nationality and purpose of travel, and one outlet highlights a suspected AC-related cause alongside ongoing investigation into the incident’s circumstances.
