Kolkata, April 30 -- Fire tenders and a forensic team reached the hotel near Falpatti Machhua in Kolkata, where 14 people died and several were injured after a fire broke out last night.

Fire and Emergency Services DG Ranvir Kumar said that a fire extinguishing system was in a defunct condition in the building.

"A large area of around 100 square metres of the first floor was being renovated. They were probably trying to extend the area. For this, plywood and other combustible materials were stored there. Some fire was initiated, probably while the work was being done, and it spread. We perceive that the smoke got trapped in the stairs and travelled to the second and third floors because of the fire. That is why the casualties there were...