Wed Apr 30 16:39:38 UTC 2025: ## Kolkata Hotel Fire Claims 14 Lives, Including Two Children from Tamil Nadu
**KOLKATA, INDIA –** A devastating fire at a hotel in Kolkata’s Burrabazar area on Tuesday night claimed the lives of at least 14 people, including a 10-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy from Tamil Nadu. The children, identified as P. Rathin and P. Diya, were visiting West Bengal with their family from Karur district.
The fire broke out around 8:15 p.m., forcing guests and staff to jump from upper floors to escape the rapidly spreading flames. Survivors reported that smoke filled the staircases and corridors, blocking escape routes. They also alleged that fire alarms and firefighting equipment were non-functional, and that hotel staff offered little assistance.
The grieving mother of the two children recounted the horror, describing her desperate attempts to save her children. She arrived at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital (NRSMCH) where the post-mortem examinations were conducted, only to leave hours later with their bodies.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee released a statement on social media, citing preliminary reports indicating that deaths were due to suffocation and injuries sustained from jumping from the building. Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials ensured the deceased’s bodies were preserved until family members could make arrangements for their transport home.
The incident has highlighted concerns about fire safety regulations and emergency preparedness in the hotel. Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. The tragedy underscores the devastating impact of such incidents and the need for stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
First Piper 