“Nine people were killed, including a child, in the fire that broke out early on Wednesday,” said Anuj Sharma, the fire services director of West Bengal state. “Thick smoke enveloped the hotel. Some victims were found in the bathrooms.”

Five fire engines were deployed to bring the blaze under control, while police and disaster management teams carried out rescue operations. Nine people – six men, two women and a child – were rescued and taken to hospital, Sharma said.

Preliminary information suggested an air conditioner in the budget hotel might have exploded and caused the blaze, he said.

Some victims seemed to be Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment, said Santosh Pathak, a member of West Bengal’s ruling party.

“We are trying to confirm the nationality of the victims,” he told reporters.