New Delhi, Aug. 19 -- A massive blaze at a Kolkata hotel early Wednesday killed nine people, including a child, and injured six others.

The incident took place around 1:30 a.m. on Free School Street near New Market in central Kolkata. Upon receiving information about the blaze, fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames.

Several guests were trapped inside the building after the blaze erupted, prompting rescue teams to rush to the spot. Police and Disaster Management Department personnel also reached the site for the rescue operation.

The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital.

Initial reports suggest an air-conditioner explosion could be the cause of the fire, though the exact reason is yet to be ascertained.

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