9 Killed in Kolkata Hotel Fire, Police Raise Safety Concerns

Nine people were killed in a devastating fire at the Shikha Inn hotel in Kolkata’s New Market, prompting police to raise serious concerns over the hotel’s safety measures. A senior officer of Park Street Police Station said the victims did not die from burns but were suffocated by toxic smoke and gases. He blamed inadequate ventilation and safety arrangements for worsening the situation.

The officer made the remarks at a meeting with hotel owners following the fire on Thursday (August 20) night. He said the hotel had been created by partitioning a large hall into several small rooms, many of which lacked adequate windows and ventilation. As a result, smoke and gases could not escape after the fire broke out.

He further said gas remained inside the hotel several hours after the fire. According to him, better ventilation could have reduced the loss of life. A child was also among those killed in the incident.

Following the fire, police issued several safety directives for hotels. These include ensuring necessary licenses, conducting regular fire audits, installing fire and panic alarms and maintaining emergency exits. Hotels were also instructed to keep security personnel on duty at night and properly record and submit guest information online.