At least nine people were killed in a massive fire at a residential hotel on Free School Street in Kolkata’s New Market area. Indian media outlet India Today has reported that all nine victims were Bangladeshi nationals.

The fire broke out at around 1:45am on Tuesday night at a residential hotel called Shikha Inn. Most of the guests were reportedly asleep when the fire started.

After receiving the alert, police and firefighters rushed to the scene and began rescue operations. Six injured people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

There were initial concerns that Bangladeshi nationals could be among the victims, as many Bangladeshi tourists stay at hotels in the New Market area. However, Kolkata Police and the fire service had not officially confirmed the nationalities of the victims at the time of reporting.

Meanwhile, India Today, citing local fire service officials, reported that all nine people killed in the fire were Bangladeshi nationals. According to the report, they had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment.

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire initially. Thick smoke reportedly spread through different rooms of the hotel, and authorities believe some of the victims may have died from suffocation.

Fire Service Director General Anuj Sharma visited the scene on Wednesday morning. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and working to confirm further details about the victims.

Hospital sources said the bodies did not show significant signs of burns. Doctors initially suspect that the victims died from smoke inhalation or suffocation. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after autopsies. Several injured people remain in critical condition.