At least eight pilgrims, including five members of a family and two children, were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in Tarapith in West Bengal's Birbhum district in the early hours of Monday.
The blaze broke out at around 4 am at the reception area on the ground floor of the four-storey hotel, located near the local police station. Most of the guests were asleep at the time, having arrived in Tarapith to offer prayers at the temple during the holy month of Shravan.
The fire spread rapidly through the building, filling its corridors and staircases with thick smoke and trapping several guests inside. Panic broke out as occupants attempted to escape the burning hotel.
Several people suffered burn injuries and severe smoke inhalation while trying to flee the building. Police and fire personnel immediately launched rescue operations and evacuated a number of guests from the premises.
However, dense smoke inside the building made it difficult for rescuers to enter and search the hotel. Those rescued were taken to Rampurhat Hospital for treatment.
Officials said at least eight bodies had been recovered from the site. Five of those killed were members of the same family, while two of the deceased were children.
The fire also triggered panic in the area, which was witnessing an increased flow of pilgrims during Shravan. Tarapith is a major pilgrimage centre and sees a significant rise in visitors during the month.
A preliminary assessment has suggested that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. The hotel owner has also indicated that an electrical fault could have been responsible. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
An investigation has been launched to determine how the fire started and whether the hotel had adequate fire-safety arrangements. Officials are also expected to examine whether emergency exits, firefighting equipment and other safety measures were in place and functional.
Rescue and search operations continued at the site as authorities worked to assess the full extent of the incident. Further details, including the identities of those killed and injured, are awaited.
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