Kolkata hotel fire kills nine

A fire broke out at a hotel in central Kolkata in the early hours, killing at least nine people including a child and injuring six others.

An air-conditioner explosion is suspected, and many of the dead are reported to be Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled for medical treatment.

The fire began on the second floor and spread rapidly, with only one entry and exit point hampering rescue efforts.

Survivors described scenes of chaos and desperation as they escaped the smoke-filled building.