A fire at the Shikha Inn Hotel in Kolkata has killed nine people, including a child, according to police. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19, at the hotel on 15H Mirza Ghalib Street.
Fire crews were called around 2am and four fire engines were dispatched to the scene. The building is five storeys high. More than 60 people were rescued from the hotel and surrounding buildings, all unharmed.
Nine Confirmed Dead
Praween Prakash, deputy commissioner of police (central division) in Kolkata, said: "In all, nine persons have died. The dead include six males, two females, and a child. No one has been injured. We are yet to ascertain the identities."
Fire brigade officers reported that at least nine people were found unconscious and rushed to hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially confirmed.
Victims Reported as Bangladeshi Citizens
According to the Lokmat Times, all nine deceased are Bangladeshi citizens. The same report states the fire is believed to have started from an air conditioning unit, although the exact cause has not been confirmed.
Police have not yet confirmed the identities of those who died. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
