Kolkata Warehouse Fire Tragedy Claims Seven Lives, Leaves 21 Missing
A devastating fire ripped through a warehouse complex in eastern Kolkata in the early hours of Monday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least seven individuals and leaving 21 others reported missing. The inferno trapped numerous workers who had been sleeping inside units that were packed with highly flammable materials, creating a deadly scenario in the densely populated neighborhood.
Blaze Erupts in Nazirabad, Anandapur
The catastrophic blaze broke out around 2:30 am at a warehouse located in Nazirabad of Anandapur, a bustling area situated off the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. This major arterial road connects south and east Kolkata, making the location particularly concerning due to its high population density. The complex housed two primary units: a decorators' establishment and a factory that supplied a popular momo chain, both of which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Casualty Figures and Rescue Efforts
Initial police reports confirmed three fatalities, but fire department sources later updated the death toll to seven after retrieving badly burnt bodies from the smouldering debris. Identification of the victims proved challenging immediately after the incident, and officials cautioned that the numbers could change as search operations continued through the wreckage. According to missing-person complaints filed by anxious relatives, 25 people had stayed overnight inside the decorators' unit, while three others were in the momo factory. Most of those missing are migrant workers hailing from East and West Midnapore districts, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic.
Factors Fueling the Rapid Fire Spread
Fire officials investigating the tragedy revealed that the decorators' unit stored large quantities of thermocol and other highly combustible materials, which acted as a significant accelerant. Additionally, large stocks of soft drinks and packaged food kept within the warehouse may have further fuelled the flames, allowing the fire to spread rapidly across the entire structure. The intense heat and persistent pockets of fire hampered rescue efforts for hours, with firefighters battling the blaze well into the morning.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Measures
In response to the emergency, ten fire engines were initially rushed to the spot, followed by twelve more in phases to combat the raging flames. A bulldozer was brought in to clear debris and facilitate access for rescue teams. As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated a nearby workers' mess and a residential house to prevent further casualties. Despite these efforts, the fire's intensity made it difficult to reach those trapped inside.
Heartbreaking Scenes as Relatives Search for Loved Ones
Relatives of the missing gathered outside the blackened shell of the building, desperately searching for any signs of their loved ones. In one poignant account, Sonarpur resident Pankaj Haldar managed to make a frantic call to his family after the fire began, but the line went dead soon after, leaving his relatives in anguish. Nayan Haldar, standing beside a nearly burnt bicycle believed to belong to his father Basudeb Haldar, the store-in-charge of the momo unit, expressed his despair: "My father has been working here for the past seven years. There is still no news of him. We have found his cycle."
Ongoing Investigations and Accountability
Police authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to trace the warehouse owners as part of a comprehensive probe into the incident. The investigation aims to determine the causes of the fire and assess any potential negligence or safety lapses that may have contributed to this tragic loss of life. As the community mourns, questions about workplace safety and regulations for storage facilities in densely populated areas are likely to come under scrutiny.
