Fire Breaks Out in Kanpur Hotel, 10 People Rescued from Upper Floors Amid Thick Smoke

Kanpur: A sudden fire broke out on the first floor of a hotel in Kanpur late last night, sending thick smoke billowing throughout the building. Several guests were trapped on the third and fourth floors, prompting a dramatic rescue operation by the fire department.

Rescue Amid Chaos

The incident occurred at Sarika Hotel in the Kahukothi area under the Kalkutganj police station. The fire reportedly started due to a short circuit in a storeroom on the first floor. Flames quickly spread to the second floor, while smoke engulfed the entire building. Two families, totaling 10 people, were trapped on the third and fourth floors.

Four fire brigade vehicles and police teams rushed to the scene. Firefighters first brought the people on the fourth floor to safety and then managed to control the blaze, ensuring all guests were evacuated without injuries.

Close Call

During the fire, two individuals attempted to escape by jumping out of a window but were saved by hotel staff. The hotel, located in a narrow lane, posed significant challenges for fire brigade personnel. The building houses shops on the ground floor, while the first and second floors are used for storage. At the time of the fire, 20 people were present in the hotel, alongside six LPG cylinders, which could have caused a major catastrophe if ignited.

Safety Concerns

The hotel’s location in a dense market area with only a single entry point and minimal fire safety arrangements raised concerns. Guests on the fourth floor had no proper emergency exits, and the building’s lift was the only access to upper floors. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the fire.