The West Bengal Police confirmed that the death toll from a major fire at a warehouse in Kolkata’s Anandapur area has risen to eight, with several individuals still unaccounted for. The fire, which started around 3 a.m. on Monday at a dry food warehouse, required the efforts of about 15 fire engines working continuously to contain it. Firefighters are now focusing on extinguishing remaining pocket fires after bringing the main blaze under control.
As of Monday evening, reports indicated seven confirmed fatalities, with an additional death reported on Tuesday. A senior officer from the Baruipur Police District stated that eight people have lost their lives in the fire, while the search for missing individuals continues. The warehouse, situated in Nazirabad in Anandapur, primarily stored dry food items and soft drinks, with the fire spreading to two nearby warehouses, causing extensive damage.
State Power Minister Aroop Biswas visited the site to offer condolences to the families of the deceased and oversee the rescue efforts. Suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, the fire trapped night duty employees, including security guards, inside the warehouse. Allegations arose that the warehouse was locked from the outside, hindering escape attempts. Family members reported that trapped workers had attempted to communicate and break down a wall for escape before losing contact.
Despite efforts to contain the fire, it is believed that the warehouse’s contents have been completely destroyed. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
