Kolkata, Jan 26 (NationPress) A significant blaze erupted at a dry food warehouse in the Anandapur region on the southern fringes of Kolkata during the early hours of Monday, leaving six individuals feared to be trapped within.

The fire ignited around 3 a.m. and has been burning for several hours, with firefighters struggling to bring it under full control. A total of twelve fire engines have been dispatched to combat the flames.

The warehouse, situated in Nazirabad under the Anandapur locality, primarily held dry packaged food items and bottled soft drinks. The area has been shrouded in thick black smoke, and the fire's intensity has not diminished even after seven hours.

According to local residents, multiple workers were on the night shift at the warehouse when the fire started. Their current status is unknown, raising concerns among their families about their safety.

Officials from the fire department reported that they received an alert around 3 a.m. and responded swiftly. However, they were unable to confirm the status of the workers, stating that information would only be available once the fire is completely extinguished.

A family member of one of the missing workers shared with reporters, “My son-in-law was on the night shift at the warehouse. He called me around 3 a.m. saying, ‘Save me.’ We hurried here, but couldn’t find anyone. The fire is still raging, and officials say nothing can be confirmed until it is put out.”

A warehouse employee mentioned, “Three of our colleagues are trapped inside. The last time we were in contact with them, they mentioned they were trying to break through a wall to escape. After that, we lost communication.”

Another source indicated that a total of six workers were on duty at night and are all unaccounted for.

Fire officials stated that all goods stored in the warehouse are likely to have been destroyed, with the total damage yet to be evaluated.

A fire brigade representative noted that the residential building located behind the warehouse was quickly evacuated. “Approximately 100 residents were safely rescued. However, those still inside the warehouse are unreachable, and their mobile phones are now turned off,” the official explained.

The State Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose stated, “There are two warehouses in that vicinity -- one belonging to a well-known momo company and the other to a catering business. The fire department is actively working on the situation, and efforts are ongoing to control the blaze.”

The cause of the fire remains undetermined.