KABUL (Pajhwok): At least nine people, including a child, have been killed in a hotel fire in Kolkata, eastern India, on Wednesday, police said.
The fire broke out at around 2:50am local time on the second floor of the hotel and was brought under control within an hour, Reuters quoted a senior police officer as saying.
About 30 people were safely evacuated from the building. The fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, the officer said, adding that the exact cause was still being investigated.
Local media reported that at least six people were injured and receiving treatment at hospitals.
ANI, citing the fire department, reported that some of those killed were Bangladeshi nationals who were in Kolkata for medical treatment. NDTV reported that all nine victims were Bangladeshis.
However, the police official told Reuters that the nationalities of the victims had not yet been confirmed.
The hotel is located in a congested area of central Kolkata and is known for budget accommodation and restaurants.
sa
