Fri May 02 16:23:57 UTC 2025: ## Kolkata Reels After Deadly Hotel Fire, Chemical Factory Blaze
**Kolkata, India (May 2, 2025)** – Kolkata is grappling with the aftermath of two major fires that have shaken the city. A devastating fire at the Rituraj Hotel on Wednesday claimed 14 lives, prompting immediate action from city officials. Following the tragedy, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim ordered the closure of all rooftop restaurants, citing illegal construction and safety concerns. The order comes after the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, visited the site and ordered surprise inspections of similar establishments. Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the hotel fire: the owner, the manager, and a contractor accused of violating construction regulations.
Adding to the city’s woes, a major fire erupted at a chemical factory in Salt Lake, the city’s IT hub, on Friday. While firefighters brought the blaze under control after three hours, the incident caused widespread panic due to massive blasts and towering flames visible for kilometers. No casualties were reported in this incident, but the presence of highly flammable materials hampered firefighting efforts. The cause of both fires remains under investigation.
The Rituraj Hotel fire highlighted the dangers of blocked exits, as the back exit had been converted into a storage area, impeding escape. Post-mortem reports revealed that most victims perished due to smoke inhalation and burns, while one died after jumping from the building.
These incidents have reignited concerns about fire safety in Kolkata, recalling past tragedies such as the Stephen Court and AMRI Hospital fires. A high-level committee has been formed to inspect buildings across the city and submit a report within 15 days. Mayor Hakim emphasized the importance of citizen responsibility in ensuring fire and urban safety.
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