At least 9 killed in hotel fire in Kolkata, India

(Central News Agency, Kolkata, comprehensive foreign news report on the 19th) A fire broke out in a hotel in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata early this morning, killing at least nine people and injuring many others. Indian fire officials pointed out that the fire was suspected to have been caused by an explosion of an air conditioner.

West Bengal fire chief Anuj Sharma told reporters that the fire that broke out early this morning killed nine people, including a child. Another 9 people were rescued and sent to hospital for treatment, including 6 men, 2 women and 1 child.

Sharma said that preliminary information showed that an air conditioner in this affordable hotel was suspected to have exploded and caused a fire. "Thick smoke enveloped the entire hotel, and some of the deceased were found lying in the bathroom."

The police said that flames broke out on the second floor of the hotel at about 2:50 a.m., and the fire was under control within an hour. The cause of the fire still needs to be clarified.

Santosh Pathak, a member of West Bengal's ruling party, said some of the deceased were suspected to be Bangladeshis who went to Kolkata to receive medical services.

"We are trying to confirm the nationality of the deceased," he told reporters.

There were 60 guests in the hotel at the time of the fire. Located in a densely populated area in the heart of Kolkata, this hotel is known for providing affordable accommodation and dining services.

Building fires are common in India due to inadequate firefighting equipment and frequent disregard for safety regulations.