9 Bangladeshis, seeking medical treatment, killed in Kolkata hotel Fire

At least nine people, all reportedly Bangladeshi nationals, including a child, were killed in a massive fire at a hotel in Kolkata’s Free School Street area early Wednesday (August 19).

The fire broke out at around 2AM local time at the hotel near New Market, when most of the guests were asleep. 

The blaze spread rapidly, leaving several guests trapped inside.

A malfunction or explosion involving an air-conditioning unit is suspected to have triggered the fire, although the exact cause has yet to be confirmed.

Four fire fighters rushed to the scene after the blaze was reported, while disaster management personnel also joined the rescue operation.

Firefighters worked to evacuate guests trapped inside the hotel before bringing the blaze under control.