India, Aug. 19 -- At least nine people were killed and six others injured after a fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata early Wednesday, police said.

The fire broke out around 1.45 am, following which five fire tenders were deployed to bring the blaze under control. Police and Disaster Management Department personnel also reached the spot and launched a rescue operation.

The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Dense smoke inside the building made it difficult for firefighters to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors, a police officer said.

"While nine people have died, more deaths are feared," the officer said.

The flames have been doused and cooling operations are underway, o...