A devastating fire broke out at a hotel near the Tarapith police station early Monday morning, killing at least six people and leaving several others critically injured. The disaster struck during the final Monday of the auspicious Hindu month of Shravan, when the property was packed with pilgrims and tourists visiting the holy town.The casualties include both tourists and hotel staff. Officials confirmed that victims succumbed to severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

At least 10 to 15 individuals rescued from the blazing structure have been rushed to Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital, where several remain in critical condition. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further.

Chain of Events

Origin of the Blaze: The fire reportedly originated around dawn at an electrical circuit breaker (MCB) located on the hotel’s ground floor.

Rapid Spread: Hotel employees noticed the flames and raised an alarm, but the fire quickly engulfed the building. The presence of flammable synthetic and fiber materials accelerated the flames across multiple floors.

Immediate Response: Owing to the hotel’s close proximity to the local police station, emergency services—including firefighters and police personnel—arrived promptly to commence rescue operations and extinguish the flames.

Harrowing Eyewitness Accounts

A surviving tourist staying on the ground floor recounted the panic that ensued around 4:00 AM: “We heard loud noises outside our room and opened the door, only to see flames rushing in. We quickly shut it back. Our room had no windows, so my family and I retreated to the bathroom, trying to escape through a small high vent. We were trapped for nearly 45 minutes until the police broke down the door to rescue us, said the survivor.

Investigation and Legal Action

Police have detained the hotel owner as part of the ongoing probe. Fire department officials suspect a short circuit caused the incident, but a comprehensive inquiry is underway to assess structural compliance and potential safety lapses. Fire Services Minister of State Kausik Choudhury expressed deep condolences, confirming that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence or violating mandatory fire safety protocols.

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