DHAKA : Five Bangladeshi nationals were among nine people killed in a devastating fire that broke out at a hotel in Kolkata, West Bengal, early today, said the foreign ministry here. 

Local police have confirmed the identities of five of the deceased as Bangladeshi nationals, while the identities of the remaining victims have yet to be confirmed, according to a foreign ministry press release issued here today.

Of the five Bangladeshi victims, four were members of the same family, the release said.

The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has already contacted the families of the deceased.
Six other Bangladeshi nationals were injured in the fire. They were released after receiving primary medical treatment.

Immediately after receiving reports of the incident, officials of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission rushed to the spot and began collecting information about the deceased and injured.

Deputy High Commission officials are maintaining round-the-clock contact with hospitals and local police to extend necessary assistance to the Bangladeshi nationals affected by the incident.

The mission has also opened a 24-hour helpline to provide assistance and information related to the incident.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka and the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata are maintaining close contact with the relevant Indian authorities over the situation.