Kolkata: At least 14 people were killed and 13 others injured in a massive fire that broke out in a hotel near Falpatti Machhua in central Kolkata on Tuesday night (April 29).
The fire started around 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday (April 29, 2025) and was brought under control in the early hours of Wednesday (April 30, 2025). Over 10 fire engines were pressed into service to douse the fire.
After nearly 10 hours of firefighting, the blaze was brought under control on Wednesday morning, a fire and emergency services official said.
Most of the victims died from suffocation, while one person died after falling from the building as he attempted to escape the blaze.
“Total 14 people have died in the fire at Rituraj Hotel. Further investigation is underway and a Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe into the matter,” Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Verma said while visiting the affected area.
Verma said that a special investigation has also been formed to probe the incident.
The cause of the fire, however, is yet to be ascertained.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 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.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that an investigation had been ordered into the incident.
“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,” CM Banerjee posted on X.
