NewKerala.com

Key Points

A devastating fire at Kolkata's Hotel Rituraj claimed 14 lives due to non-functional safety systems. Fire Services DG Ranvir Kumar revealed the building's extinguishers and alarms failed during the blaze. CM Mamata Banerjee announced ₹2 lakh compensation for victims' families while praising rescue teams. Investigations continue into the lapsed fire safety certificate and renovation hazards.

Key Points: Kolkata Hotel Fire Kills 14 as Defunct Extinguishers Fail

  • 14 dead in Burra Bazar hotel blaze
  • Renovation materials fueled rapid fire spread
  • Lapsed fire safety certificate since 2021
  • Mamata announces ₹2L victim compensation
2 min read

Fire extinguishing systems here were in a defunct condition: DG Ranvir Kumar on Kolkata hotel fire

Fire Services DG reveals non-functional safety systems at Hotel Rituraj as CM Mamata announces ₹2L compensation for victims' families.

"The fire extinguishing systems here were in a defunct condition. None of the sprinklers worked - DG Ranvir Kumar"

Kolkata, April 30

Fire tenders and a forensic team reached the hotel near Falpatti Machhua in Kolkata, where 14 people died and several were injured after a fire broke out last night.

Fire and Emergency Services DG Ranvir Kumar said that a fire extinguishing system was in a defunct condition in the building.

"A large area of around 100 square metres of the first floor was being renovated. They were probably trying to extend the area. For this, plywood and other combustible materials were stored there. Some fire was initiated, probably while the work was being done, and it spread. We perceive that the smoke got trapped in the stairs and travelled to the second and third floors because of the fire. That is why the casualties there were more," DG Ranvir Kumar said.

"The fire extinguishing systems here were in a defunct condition. None of the sprinklers, the fire detection system, or the alarms worked... The hotel authority had taken an FSC (Fire Safety Certificate) in 2016 and renewed it for the subsequent few years. But it had not been renewed in the last 3 years... A complaint has been registered at the police station, and an FIR has been lodged," he added.

Earlier, CM Mamata Banerjee announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 Lakh for the next of kin of the deceased.

"Continuing to monitor the fallout of the unfortunate fire incident at a private hotel (Rituraj) in the Burra Bazar area and appreciate the Fire Services' and police efforts in rescuing around 99 persons from the most adverse circumstances. We are also thankful to the local people for their cooperation and assistance in the rescue operations. It has been preliminarily reported to me that those who died were victims of suffocation/ jumping, etc. Further investigations are going on. The State Government will provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, while injured persons will receive Rs 50,000 each. Reiterate my condolences and solidarity," she said in a post on X.

The fire broke out at Hotel Rituraj in Kolkata's Burra Bazar area on Tuesday night and took hours to bring under control, leaving 14 people dead.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun M.
This is absolutely shocking! How can a hotel operate without renewing fire safety certificates for 3 years? The authorities must conduct surprise checks across all hotels in Kolkata. My heart goes out to the victims' families. 🙏
P
Priya K.
The Rs 2 lakh compensation is too little too late. We need stricter enforcement of fire safety norms. Burra Bazar area is always crowded - imagine if this had happened during daytime! Authorities must wake up now.
R
Rahul S.
As someone from Kolkata, I'm ashamed of how safety regulations are ignored. The hotel owners must be punished severely. But let's also appreciate the fire fighters who risked their lives to save 99 people - true heroes!
S
Sunita P.
Why is our system so reactive instead of proactive? Every time there's a tragedy, we see compensation announcements and promises of action. What about preventing such incidents in the first place? The fire department must be given more powers.
V
Vikram D.
This isn't just about one hotel - it's about systemic failure. How many other buildings in our cities have defunct fire systems? Time for a massive safety audit across all commercial establishments. Jaan hai toh jahaan hai!
N
Neha R.
While the compensation is important, what about psychological support for survivors? Many must be traumatized. The government should arrange counseling services too. Safety isn't just about infrastructure but also mental wellbeing after such tragedies.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50