7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal's Birbhum

Seven guests were killed and several others critically injured after a massive fire broke out at Hotel Bideshinii in Tarapith, West Bengal’s Birbhum district, around 4.30 am on Monday. The blaze began on the ground floor of the G+4 hotel while most guests were asleep. Officials said all seven victims died of asphyxiation after toxic smoke from the burning false ceiling, fiberglass and other inflammable materials spread to the upper floors. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and rescued injured guests, who were taken to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital. Hotel officials said an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire, but the exact cause remains unconfirmed. Officials also said the hotel had little or no basic fire detection or prevention equipment. The incident occurred on the last Monday of Shravan, when Tarapith sees a large influx of devotees. Authorities are investigating.