What Is the Current Death Toll in the Kolkata Warehouse Fire?
Synopsis
A devastating fire in Kolkata's Anandapur area has tragically claimed eight lives, with several missing. As rescue operations continue, questions arise about the cause of the blaze and the safety measures in place at the warehouse. Families are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, while officials investigate the incident's origins.
Key Takeaways
Death toll has reached eight in the Kolkata warehouse fire.
Rescue operations are ongoing for the missing individuals.
Firefighters faced challenges due to the warehouse's narrow alley location .
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire , with a short circuit suspected.
Families of trapped workers continue to seek answers.
Kolkata, Jan 27 (NationPress) The West Bengal Police have reported that the death toll from the devastating fire at a warehouse in the Anandapur area of Kolkata has risen to eight, with several individuals still unaccounted for.
As per police reports, approximately 15 fire engines have been actively engaged in extinguishing the flames that erupted at the dry food warehouse around 3 a.m. on Monday. The search efforts for the missing persons are ongoing. With the fire largely under control, firefighters are currently addressing remaining small fires.
Initially, reports indicated seven confirmed fatalities by Monday evening, but another death was recorded on Tuesday.
“As of now, the fire has claimed eight lives. There are still several individuals unaccounted for, and we are actively searching as the fire is nearly extinguished,” stated a senior officer from the Baruipur Police District.
The warehouse located in Nazirabad primarily contained dry, packaged food items and soft drink bottles. Fire department officials noted that the blaze spread to two neighboring warehouses, resulting in near-total destruction. Firefighters faced challenges due to the warehouse's location in a narrow alley.
State Power Minister Aroop Biswas visited the incident site to console the bereaved families. He oversaw the rescue operations and communicated with the families of those still missing.
The cause of the fire remains uncertain, though fire department officials suspect a short circuit may have ignited the blaze.
Employees working the night shift were reportedly trapped inside, including more than six security guards. Locals have raised concerns that more individuals may still be inside, alleging that the warehouse was locked from the outside, preventing escape.
Family members of the trapped workers reported that the fire had been raging since 3 a.m. on Monday. Some workers attempted to call for help and even tried to break through a wall to escape before losing contact.
It is believed that all items within the warehouse have been completely destroyed, though the total extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Point of View
It’s crucial to address the safety protocols in place at warehouses across the nation. The loss of lives and the uncertainty faced by families highlight the need for stringent regulations and preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this challenging time.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in the Kolkata warehouse?
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, fire department officials suspect that a short circuit may have ignited the blaze.
How many people have died in the fire?
The fire has tragically claimed the lives of eight individuals, with several others reported missing.
What measures are being taken for rescue operations?
Approximately 15 fire engines are working tirelessly to control the fire and conduct search operations for the missing persons.
Were there any safety protocols in place at the warehouse?
The safety protocols at the warehouse are currently under scrutiny, particularly concerning the claims that it was locked from the outside.
What type of goods were stored in the warehouse?
The warehouse primarily stored dry, packaged food items and bottles of soft drinks.
