Three killed, three others missing after massive blaze in Kolkata food warehouse

The blaze erupted around 3 am at a godown located in Nazirabad, near the Anandapur Police Station, and quickly spread through adjacent storage spaces.

According to initial reports, the fire first broke out in a unit storing food items, reportedly linked to an online delivery supply chain, and soon spread to an adjoining warehouse used for decorative materials. 

Thick smoke and towering flames rapidly engulfed the structure, making access difficult for emergency responders.

Workers missing as families await news

Six workers who were on night duty have gone missing since the fire started, heightening anxiety among families and colleagues gathered outside the premises. 

Among those feared missing are Basudev Haldar, a resident of Baruipur, and Pankaj Haldar from Garia, though officials said the identities of all the missing workers are yet to be formally confirmed.

Family members of Pankaj Haldar said he managed to make a distress call shortly after the fire broke out. 

He reportedly told his relatives that he was trapped inside the unit along with others as flames spread rapidly through the building.

Since then, there has been no contact, intensifying fears over their safety.

Three deaths confirmed

Fire and emergency services officials and local police confirmed on Monday afternoon that three people had been killed in the fire, though their identities yet to be established.

Sources in the police said at least three workers of the warehouse were still missing, and search operations were ongoing to trace them or their bodies.

Photo: IBNS

Firefighting ops continue amid heavy smoke

At least 12 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighting operations continued for over 10 hours as personnel battled intense flames and choking smoke. 

While the fire has largely been brought under control, thick smoke inside the structure has significantly hampered search and rescue operations.

Fire brigade officials said entry into the building remains difficult until smoke is fully cleared and cooling operations are completed. 

Searches through debris were ongoing till the last reports came in, with teams scanning for any signs of the missing workers.

Authorities monitor situation, probe awaited

West Bengal power minister Aroop Biswas visited the site during the firefighting operation and spoke to local residents and families of the missing workers. 

Biswas said the situation was under control but emphasised that rescue efforts could not proceed at full pace until visibility inside the structure improved.

Police have cordoned off the area and are assisting the fire department with crowd control and logistics. 

Authorities are also verifying attendance records and collecting statements from surviving workers to establish exactly how many people were inside the facility when the fire broke out.

Cause of fire still unclear

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. 

Officials said a detailed investigation will be launched once the area is declared safe. 

Preliminary suspicion points to a possible electrical short circuit, though no official confirmation has been made so far.

Another fire incident in Kolkata

Even as firefighters battled the Anandapur blaze, another fire-related incident was reported from central Kolkata’s Mullickbazar area, where a domestic gas cylinder explosion occurred inside a residential flat. 

Fire tenders were rushed to the scene, and the building was evacuated as a precaution, adding to concerns over fire safety in the city.

Further updates are awaited as rescue teams continue search operations in Anandapur and authorities work to determine the cause of the devastating fire.