Kolkata Hotel Fire: A tragic incident unfolded in central Kolkata on Tuesday night at around 7:30 PM (29 April, 2025) as a deadly fire broke out at the Rituraj Hotel in the Mechuapatti area of central Kolkata, claiming the lives of at least 15 people and injuring 13 others. The heartbreaking news has left the entire city in shock and mourning.
All You Need to Know
- Fire broke out on Tuesday around 7:30 pm at Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata
- 15 people lost their lives, including a woman, a boy and a girl
- 13 people injured, several rescued from balconies
- Ten fire tenders deployed; firefighting took almost 10 hours
- Cause of the fire still unknown; forensic team will investigate
- 88 guests were staying in 42 rooms at the hotel
- CM Mamata Banerjee asked Mayor and Police Commissioner to visit the spot
- Special investigation team formed by Kolkata Police
- Political leaders demand strict fire safety measures
Kolkata Hotel Fire: How the Tragedy Happened
It all started around 7:30 pm on Tuesday when a massive fire suddenly erupted inside the Rituraj Hotel. Located in a busy part of central Kolkata, the hotel had around 88 guests staying in 42 rooms when the fire started. In no time, thick smoke and flames began to engulf the building, spreading panic among those trapped inside.
Many guests rushed to the balconies to escape the flames. Firefighters arrived quickly and used hydraulic ladders to rescue those stranded in the upper floors. The entire operation continued for nearly 10 hours and finally, by early Wednesday morning, the fire was brought under control.
Victims and Rescue
Sadly, 15 people, including a child, a girl and a woman, lost their lives in the fire. Thirteen others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. Officials are still working to identify all the victims. Out of the 15 dead, 8 have been identified so far.
The cause of the fire is not yet clear. Authorities have cordoned off the area and a forensic team will soon inspect the hotel to understand what caused the blaze.
Government’s Response
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee immediately took note of the incident. She called up the Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim and asked him, along with Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, to reach the site and coordinate rescue efforts.
A special team has been formed by Kolkata Police to investigate the fire thoroughly and find out whether any negligence or safety violations caused the tragedy.
What Political Leaders Said
The incident has sparked political reactions across parties. West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said that the state government must ensure strict fire safety checks at all hotels and buildings. He also appealed for urgent rescue, safety and proper medical help for the affected people.
West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar expressed his sadness and blamed the local authorities, saying that there was no proper fire safety or emergency measures in place. He questioned what the Kolkata Corporation was doing when such a big tragedy occurred.
A City in Shock
This terrible fire has once again reminded everyone of the importance of fire safety and regular checks in commercial and residential buildings. Families of the victims are in deep pain, and the people of Kolkata are praying for the recovery of those injured.
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