Trapped in smoke: 14 dead in central Kolkata fire as Burrabazar’s hidden dangers exposed

What happened during the Burrabazar hotel fire in central Kolkata?

A catastrophic fire broke out at the Rituraj Hotel in the tightly packed Machhua Bazar area of Burrabazar, central Kolkata, on the evening of April 29, killing at least 14 people and injuring several more. According to initial reports from Kolkata Police and Fire Services, the blaze erupted at around 8:15 PM and quickly spread through the multi-story structure, trapping guests, workers, and traders lodged inside. Rescue efforts were severely hampered by the narrow lanes of the locality, limiting access for fire engines.

Several people were seen using flashlights and waving from balconies, trying to alert rescuers. Some, in panic, jumped from upper floors. Among the deceased was Manoj Paswan, a long-time staff member originally from Jharkhand, who died after leaping from the building in a desperate attempt to escape.

The hotel, which primarily hosted small-time traders visiting from other Indian states, was nearly full at the time of the incident.

How did emergency services respond to the Kolkata hotel blaze?

Firefighters deployed over a dozen fire tenders to the scene. However, the congested layout of Burrabazar, a centuries-old marketplace crisscrossed with narrow alleyways and aging buildings, delayed access and contributed to the high fatality rate. It took hours to bring the blaze under control.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the death toll and announced the launch of a special investigative team to determine the cause of the fire. He added that forensic and electrical safety audits are already underway.

Rescue operations continued into the night, with several survivors pulled from smoke-filled corridors and stairwells. Survivors were taken to nearby hospitals, some in critical condition.

What historical parallels exist with past Kolkata fire tragedies?

This is not the first time central Kolkata, and Burrabazar in particular, has witnessed deadly fire incidents. The area, which houses numerous unregulated commercial establishments, small hotels, godowns, and old residential structures, has a long history of fire-related tragedies:

In 2008, a massive fire gutted the Nandaram Market building in the same Burrabazar area, causing massive financial damage and sparking similar debates on fire preparedness. In 2010, an early morning blaze at the Stephen Court heritage building on Park Street killed 43 people, drawing nationwide attention to illegal constructions and poor safety norms.

These incidents led to a flurry of inspections and regulatory proposals, most of which eventually lost momentum. Experts have long warned that the combination of aged infrastructure, high population density, and lax enforcement makes central Kolkata a ticking time bomb when it comes to fire safety.

Why is Burrabazar particularly vulnerable to fire disasters?

Burrabazar, one of India‘s oldest and largest wholesale markets, is known for its labyrinthine lanes, poorly maintained structures, and overloaded electric wiring. Buildings in the area often operate without valid fire clearances. In many cases, they are modified beyond recognition—with godowns, storage units, and hotels often running illegally inside aging residential buildings.

Despite repeated incidents and warnings from both the fire department and urban planning bodies, unauthorized construction continues unchecked. The lack of proper fire exits, emergency staircases, and sprinkler systems significantly increases the risk of high-casualty incidents.

What has the state government said about the fire?

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a full inquiry. The state’s Fire and Emergency Services Department has been tasked with conducting immediate inspections of all similar establishments across Kolkata.

In a late-night statement, civic authorities from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation admitted that the building did not have updated occupancy certificates or valid fire safety documentation. Officials said any future liability would be determined based on the investigation’s findings.

Political leaders across the spectrum have voiced concern. State BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar demanded accountability for the civic lapses that allowed such a property to operate. Congress state president Subhankar Sarkar questioned the effectiveness of urban safety inspections and urged reforms in Kolkata’s building governance systems.

How are citizens and experts reacting to the tragedy?

The incident has triggered fresh debate around the structural integrity and regulatory oversight of Kolkata’s aging urban core. Civic activists and fire safety experts argue that the Rituraj Hotel fire is not an isolated case but rather symptomatic of a deep-rooted problem involving collusion between property owners and enforcement agencies.

An urban historian and planning expert noted that Burrabazar and similar markets have grown horizontally and vertically without a corresponding upgrade in civic infrastructure. He added that short-term crackdowns after major disasters often do not translate into long-term reforms.

On social media, citizens expressed grief, outrage, and frustration at what many called a “preventable disaster.” Many have called for an immediate audit of commercial guesthouses, small hotels, and warehouses in the city’s heritage zones.

What happens next?

The investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing, with forensic experts assessing the electrical systems and internal structure of the building. If negligence is proven, police are expected to file criminal charges against the building’s owners and any officials found complicit.

Meanwhile, Kolkata’s Fire Department has issued fresh safety advisories for old buildings and commercial spaces, urging property owners to install emergency exits and basic fire-fighting equipment. However, whether these directives will be followed or fade away—as in previous cases—remains to be seen.

This tragedy has once again brought the conversation around urban safety, illegal construction, and regulatory inaction to the forefront of public discourse. For Kolkata, a city where history and high-density commerce often coexist uncomfortably, the events at Burrabazar may serve as a brutal reminder that reform delayed is often reform denied.