India: 'Many die' in Calcutta hospital fire

LONDON. December 9. KAZINFORM At least 20 people are feared dead in a fire that broke out in a hospital in the eastern Indian city of Calcutta (Kolkata), officials say.

At least 40 patients are reported to have been trapped after the flames spread through the AMRI hospital in the southern part of the city, BBC News reports.

The fire broke out in the basement of the hospital early on Friday, officials say.

Fire engines fought the blaze for five hours before bringing it under control.

Rescue workers are trying to reach the upper floors of the six-storey hospital in Dhakuria to rescue patients.

"Patients have suffocated on the fumes. Many have lost their lives," West Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim told reporters.

A number of patients have been rescued, and moved to other hospitals.

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