Kolkata: At least seven people were killed and several others seriously injured after a massive fire broke out at a private hotel in Tarapith, Birbhum district, early Monday morning.
The fire reportedly broke out around 5 am on the ground floor of the four-storey Hotel Bideshini, located near Tarapith police station. Most of the guests were asleep when the blaze erupted.
The fire quickly spread through the hotel, filling the building with thick smoke and making it difficult for guests to escape. Firefighters rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control.
Rescue teams evacuated the injured and shifted them to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
According to the hotel management, the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. However, authorities are yet to establish the exact cause and have begun an investigation.
The incident occurred on a Monday during the holy Shravan month, when Tarapith attracts a large number of devotees. Several hotels in the temple town were reportedly crowded at the time of the incident.
