kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : A tragic fire broke out late Sunday night in Kolkata’s densely populated Pathuriaghata area, claiming two lives and raising serious concerns about fire safety in warehouse-cum-residential buildings. The building, which served both as a garment warehouse and residential quarters, was engulfed in flames shortly before midnight, triggering a massive firefighting operation by local authorities. The blaze, which originated on the upper floors of the structure, led to a desperate scramble for safety as residents rushed to the rooftop to escape the smoke and flames.

The Kolkata Fire Department, assisted by at least ten fire tenders, battled the flames through the night. By early Monday morning, the fire had been brought under control. During the operation, emergency personnel found two residents who had taken refuge on the rooftop. Both were rushed to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival. Preliminary reports suggest that the victims likely succumbed to smoke inhalation.

The incident has shocked the local community and has once again brought attention to the vulnerabilities of buildings that combine commercial storage with residential living spaces. Initial findings by the Kolkata Police and fire services suggest an electrical short circuit as a possible trigger for the fire, although a detailed investigation is still underway.

Authorities are currently examining whether the building complied with existing fire safety regulations. Many similar structures in Kolkata operate with inadequate safety measures, including the absence of fire alarms, sprinklers, and proper emergency exits. Residents have voiced their anger, demanding accountability and immediate reforms to ensure that other lives are not endangered due to negligence and lack of enforcement.

The tragedy has also highlighted systemic issues surrounding urban planning in Kolkata’s congested neighborhoods, where space constraints often lead to risky architectural arrangements. Experts believe that stringent inspections and clear demarcation of residential and commercial zones are necessary to prevent such fires in the future.

West Bengal officials, including members of the state disaster management authority, have promised a thorough investigation and a safety audit of similar buildings across the city. The administration has also assured the affected families of full support, including compensation and rehabilitation.

As the city mourns the loss of two innocent lives, the fire serves as a grim reminder of the price paid for lapses in fire safety and urban regulation. It calls for immediate attention to the rising fire risks in mixed-use properties and the urgent need for a city-wide awareness and inspection campaign.

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