At least 14 people were killed in a massive fire that broke out late Tuesday at a hotel in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state in eastern India, authorities confirmed.

Manoj Kumar Verma, a senior police official, reported that 14 bodies have been recovered from the scene, with several individuals successfully rescued from the blaze. Emergency responders have brought the fire under control, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate any additional survivors.

Verma stated that an investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched, as authorities work to determine the circumstances behind the tragic incident.

Further details are expected as the inquiry progresses. (ILKHA)