Nine Bangladeshi nationals were killed and six others injured after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in Kolkata in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said.

The victims had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment, according to Fire Department officials.

The fire broke out at around 2 am, following which fire and emergency services were rushed to the spot. Reports also said several people lost consciousness after inhaling smoke and were rescued before being taken to hospital.

Firefighters launched a rescue and firefighting operation and brought the blaze under control.

The six injured people were taken to a hospital for treatment. Their condition was not immediately known.

The cause of the fire remains unclear. Visuals from the scene showed the hotel housed in an ageing building along a densely built-up stretch.

Authorities are investigating the incident and are expected to inspect the hotel premises to determine how the blaze started.

Source: India Today