West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that an investigation had been ordered into the incident.
Central Kolkata Falpatti Machhua Rituraj Hotel fire tragedy latest news: A major fire broke out at the Rituraj Hotel, located near Falpatti Machhua in the Mechua area of central Kolkata, on the evening of April 29, 2025. At least 14 died and 13 got injured. Among the deaths, 13 died due to suffocation and a man died after jumping from the building while trying to escape fire, the India today reported.
According to the report, most of them died of suffocation as the narrow, busy streets of Burrabazar made rescue operation difficult. The fire reportedly started around 8:15 pm on Tuesday and it was brought under control in the early hours of Wednesday by over 10 fire engines that worked overnight to douse the fire.
“Total 14 people have died in the fire at Rituraj Hotel. Further investigation is underway and a Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe into the matter,” Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Verma told media persons while visiting the affected area.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that an investigation had been ordered into the incident.
CM Banerjee in a post on X, condoled the loss and said that an investigation has been ordered.
“My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in Burra Bazar area. I monitored the rescue and fire fight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area. 14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. Investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim families and solidarity for all affected,” CM Banerjee posted on X.
President Droupadi Murmu also in a post on her X handle, expressed her condolences to the bereaved families of the Rituraj Hotel, Kolkata fire incident.
She wrote, “The sad news of loss of lives in the fire accident in a building in Kolkata is very disturbing and painful. My deep condolences to members of the bereaved family. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives in the massive fire that broke out at the Rituraj Hotel. The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for each of the injured.
“Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the Prime minister posted on his X handle
According to police, two children were among those killed in the fire. Eight bodies have been identified, while the rest are still being processed. Thirteen people were injured, with 12 discharged from the hospital and one still under observation.
The fire broke out at a hotel on Madan Mohan Barman Street, causing panic. Many attempted to jump from the balcony to escape. Despite warnings from firefighters and police, Manoj Paswan jumped from the top to escape the flames but was later declared dead at the Medical College Hospital.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Minister Shashi Panja visited the scene to oversee the rescue operations. Hakim stated that the exact cause of the fire will only be determined after a forensic investigation. He explained that the fire started on the lower floors and spread upwards, causing smoke to fill the upper levels, which made it difficult for people to escape, leading to panic.
( For more news apart from, 'UK MP Bob Blackman Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Stronger UK Support for India,’ Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
