A fire broke out at a hotel in central Kolkata, India, in the early morning, killing nine Bangladeshi nationals, including one child. Initial reports suggest the cause may have been an air conditioner explosion, but the cause is still being investigated.
On 19 August 2026, a fire occurred at a hotel on Free School Street near the bustling New Market area, a densely populated commercial district in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, resulting in at least nine deaths at around 2:00 a.m.
Fire officials reported that all the deceased were Bangladeshi nationals who had come to Kolkata for medical treatment, including at least one child. Authorities are investigating the details of the victims and assessing the damage. Initial reports indicate the fire may have been caused by an air conditioner explosion, but the exact cause has not been confirmed. An investigation is ongoing.
Officials stated that the current priority is to assist anyone possibly trapped inside the building and to determine the fire's cause. After extinguishing the flames, firefighters are now applying water and inspecting various areas to prevent the fire from reigniting.
Source: AFP