• At least 15 people have died in a hotel fire in Kolkata, India.
• The fire occurred at Rituraj Hotel, where many guests were trapped.
• The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
• Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and promised support to victims' families.
• Safety regulations in Indian buildings have come under scrutiny due to frequent fire incidents.

A devastating fire broke out at the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata, India, on Tuesday evening, resulting in at least 15 deaths, including two children and a woman. Reports indicate that many victims suffocated due to the smoke, with some resorting to jumping from windows to escape the flames, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.

While authorities confirmed the death toll, descriptions of the scene indicate a chaotic situation, with guests attempting to escape via narrow ledges and rooftops. Senior police officer Manoj Kumar Verma stated that "the hotel turned into a gas chamber," complicating rescue efforts, according to South China Morning Post and CBS News.

The fire was brought under control after a significant deployment of resources, including six fire engines, yet many victims were unable to exit their rooms in time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish on social media and promised support for the victims' families, highlighting ongoing concerns over fire safety in Indian buildings, as reiterated by Dawn and Channel News Asia.

Investigations are underway to determine the fire's cause and the adequacy of safety measures in the hotel, with past incidents having raised red flags about building safety regulations across India. Activists have long criticized lax enforcement of safety codes, which they believe contribute significantly to such tragedies, according to BBC and South China Morning Post.