Kolkata: Police on Monday confirmed that three people have died in a massive fire at a warehouse in the Anandapur area on the southern outskirts of Kolkata, while several others remain missing.
The blaze erupted at around 3 a.m. at a dry food warehouse in Nazirabad, Anandapur, primarily storing packaged dry food items and bottled soft drinks. Approximately 15 fire engines have been pressed into service, and firefighters, partially bringing the fire under control, have entered the building using gas cutters. The search for missing individuals is ongoing.
The fire spread to two adjacent warehouses, destroying almost everything inside. Officials said the warehouse’s location in a narrow alley hindered firefighting efforts, as water supply required long pipes, delaying containment. By 11 a.m., 12 fire engines had brought parts of the fire under control, though some areas continued to burn. Three additional fire engines were deployed later in the day.
State Power Minister Aroop Biswas visited the site to console families of the deceased, inspect the rescue operation, and speak with relatives of the missing. He said, “The police and fire service officials are working jointly to douse the flames. I am told the fire is largely under control, and firefighters have entered the building. Whether anyone is still trapped inside will be known later. This is not the time for politics but to let officials do their work.”
The cause of the fire remains unclear. Employees on night duty were trapped inside, along with six security guards. Locals alleged that the warehouse was locked from outside, preventing escape.
Baruipur Police District Superintendent Shubhendra Kumar said in the afternoon, “So far, three deaths have been confirmed. The search for the others is ongoing.” Authorities warned that the death toll may rise, while relatives gathered outside the warehouse.
Family members said the warehouse had been burning since 3 a.m., and the trapped workers had called for help and attempted to break down a wall to escape before losing contact. A relative said, “My son-in-law works the night shift here. He called at 3 a.m. saying ‘save me’. We rushed here but couldn’t find anyone. The fire is still burning, and the firemen say nothing can be confirmed until it’s extinguished.”
A warehouse worker added, “The last time we spoke to them, they were trying to break down a wall to get out. After that, we lost contact.”
A fire brigade official said that a residential building behind the warehouse, housing around 100 residents, was evacuated safely, but those inside the warehouse could not be reached, and their phones were switched off.
State Fire Minister Sujit Bose said, “There are two warehouses in the area — one belonging to a well-known momo company and the other to a catering firm. The fire department is working, and everything is being closely monitored. Efforts are underway to bring the fire under control.”
The situation remains critical as firefighters continue their operation to extinguish the remaining flames, and the search for missing persons is ongoing.
With IANS inputs