Kolkata Warehouse Fire Death Toll Rises to Eight, Bodies Charred Beyond Recognition
The death toll from the devastating fire at a warehouse in Kolkata's Anandapur area has tragically increased to eight as of Tuesday. The victims' identities remain unestablished due to the severe charring of the bodies, complicating identification efforts. Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose visited the site, assuring a thorough investigation into the blaze, while forensic teams collected samples to aid in the probe.
Minister's Visit and Promises of Action
During his inspection, Minister Sujit Bose addressed concerns about the warehouse's legality. He stated, "There are numerous factories in the area. Some are operating with licences, while others are running illegally. I cannot say right now what documentation they possess. If it is found to be illegal, action will be taken." He emphasized that the land department would investigate allegations that the warehouse was constructed by filling in a water body, and noted the absence of firefighting measures at the site.
Details of the Fire and Rescue Efforts
The fire erupted around 3 am on Monday at the warehouse, which was located under the jurisdiction of Narendrapur police station in the Sonapur Assembly constituency. The facility, owned by a well-known momos company, was stocked with soft drinks and dry food packets. Initially, twelve fire engines responded to the emergency, but it took nearly seven hours to bring the blaze under control. Despite these efforts, the fire was not fully extinguished by Monday night, with pockets of flames continuing to glow.
Missing Persons and Family Anguish
Initially, warehouse staff reported three colleagues on the night shift, but it later emerged that 20 people were missing, leading to a missing persons case. Eventually, 16 workers were confirmed missing, and a search operation commenced. Police sources indicated that 20 families have filed missing person reports, with identification deemed nearly impossible at this stage. Only forensic and viscera tests are expected to provide clarity.
Relatives of the missing expressed their anxiety. Tanmoy Giri, a resident of Tamluk in East Midnapore, shared, "My uncle lived in the small rooms inside the warehouse and worked for a decorating firm. I last spoke to him at 1 am; now his phone is switched off. I have been waiting here since 9 am." Another youth reported that his father had come for a night shift at a momo-making unit but has been uncontactable since the fire. The deceased and missing are believed to be residents of East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and South 24 Parganas.
Political Visits and Accusations
Earlier on Monday, Minister Aroop Biswas and Jadavpur Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sayani Ghosh visited the site. In the evening, BJP MLA Ashok Dinda also inspected the location, noting reports that many workers lived in temporary shelters inside the warehouse. Minister Aroop Biswas commented on the ongoing firefighting efforts, saying, "Although the fire is under control, pocket fires remain in some areas. Smoke is still billowing from inside the warehouse. Firefighters are working tirelessly, though some are falling ill due to the thick black smoke." He added that once the fire is fully extinguished, personnel will search for any missing workers still trapped inside.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the TMC government of insensitivity and poor coordination in disaster management, stating, "Ministers and senior officials were enjoying the Republic Day holiday with no concern for the poor. The sooner this government goes, the better." In response, Minister Biswas urged, "This is not the time to play politics over a human tragedy."
Historical Context and Aftermath
This tragic incident marks one of the deadliest fires in Bengal since April 30 last year, when a fire at a hotel in Central Kolkata claimed 14 lives. The investigation into the warehouse fire continues, with authorities focusing on determining the cause, assessing compliance with safety regulations, and providing closure to the affected families.
