Kolkata: A massive fire erupted at a dry food warehouse in the Anandapur area on the southern outskirts of Kolkata in the early hours of Monday, with six workers feared trapped inside.
The fire broke out around 3 a.m. and continued to rage for several hours, even as firefighters struggled to bring the blaze under control. At least 12 fire engines were pressed into service, but the intensity of the fire remained high even after seven hours.
The warehouse, located at Nazirabad under the Anandapur police station area, stored dry packaged food items and bottled soft drinks. Thick plumes of black smoke engulfed the surrounding area as the fire spread rapidly through the facility.
According to local residents, several workers were on night duty when the blaze started. Their whereabouts remain unknown, raising fears among family members that they may be trapped inside the warehouse.
Fire department officials said they received the alert around 3 a.m. and rushed to the spot immediately. However, they refrained from confirming the status of the missing workers, stating that clarity would emerge only after the fire is completely extinguished.
A relative of one of the missing workers said, “My son-in-law was on night duty at the warehouse. He called me around 3 a.m. and said, ‘Save me.’ We rushed here, but could not find anyone. The fire is still burning, and officials say nothing can be confirmed until it is put out.”
A warehouse worker claimed that at least three colleagues were trapped inside. “The last time we spoke to them, they said they were trying to break through a wall to escape. After that, we lost contact,” the worker said.
Another source maintained that six workers were on night duty at the time of the incident and all of them remain missing.
Fire officials said all goods stored in the warehouse are believed to have been gutted, though the extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
A senior fire brigade official said a residential building located behind the warehouse was evacuated immediately. “Around 100 residents were safely rescued. However, those inside the warehouse could not be reached. Their mobile phones are now switched off,” the official said.
State Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose said there are two warehouses in the area, one belonging to a well-known momo company and another to a catering firm. “The fire department is working at the site, and the situation is being closely monitored. Efforts are underway to bring the fire under control,” he said.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
With IANS Inputs