Began on second floor, only one entry/exit: What to know about Kolkata fire that killed 9
· India · Hindustan Times, The Independent, Al Jazeera
Nine people were killed when a blaze broke out at the Shikha Inn hotel in Kolkata on Wednesday morning. The five‑storey building only had one entry/exit and no fire alarm or other safety system, according to guests. Firefighters from the department fought the fire for several hours, rescuing 22 people with ladders. Officials say the fire began on the second floor around 2 a.m. and investigators are looking into a possible short circuit as the cause. The incident has highlighted that many hotels on Mirza Ghalib Street run illegally and lack basic safety measures.
Why it matters
The tragedy exposes severe safety violations in Kolkata’s hospitality sector, putting guests at risk and prompting calls for stricter enforcement of building and fire regulations.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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