7 killed, 21 missing in fire at warehouse in Kolkata

The fire started around 2.30 am at a warehouse in Nazirabad, Anandapur, near the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. The warehouse had a decorators’ unit and a factory that supplied momos to a popular chain.

Police first confirmed three deaths, but later the fire department said seven badly burnt bodies were found. The bodies could not be identified immediately. Officials said the number of dead or missing may increase as the search continues.

According to the complaint, 25 workers were staying overnight in the decorators unit and three workers were inside the momo factory. Most of the missing workers are migrants from east and west Midnapore districts.

Fire officials said the decorators unit stored thermocol and other highly flammable items. Large stocks of soft drinks and packed food also helped the fire spread very fast. 

At first, 10 fire engines were sent to the spot. Later, 12 more arrived. Firefighters fought the fire for several hours, but small fires were still burning in the morning. This made rescue work difficult. A bulldozer was used to remove debris.

Family members of the missing workers gathered outside the burnt building, hoping to find their loved ones. One worker, Pankaj Haldar, called his family during the fire, but the call suddenly stopped. “My father has worked here for seven years. We still don’t know anything about him. We only found his bicycle,” said Nayan Haldar, whose father Basudeb Haldar worked as store-in-charge at the momo unit.

The extent of damage is not determined yet and as per police probe is on in the matter.