What Happened in the Devastating Fire at Kolkata’s Khidirpur?
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Synopsis
A catastrophic fire in Kolkata's Khidirpur area has left over 1,300 shops destroyed but thankfully no casualties. As firefighters battle to control the flames, allegations regarding delayed response times raise questions. This incident sheds light on fire safety and community vigilance.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,300 shops destroyed in the fire.
- No reported casualties, which is fortunate.
- Firefighters are tackling hidden fire pockets.
- Community concerns regarding the response time.
- Importance of fire safety regulations highlighted.
Kolkata, June 16 (NationPress) A catastrophic fire erupted in a bustling marketplace located in the Khidirpur region of South Kolkata, West Bengal, early Monday morning, destroying over 1,300 shops. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported to date.
A total of 20 fire tenders have been deployed to the scene, working diligently to bring the inferno under control. An official from the state fire services present at the site stated that the fire has been significantly contained, preventing further spread.
“However, the challenge now lies in identifying hidden 'fire pockets' and securing them, after which the situation can be declared fully under control. Once these hidden 'fire pockets' are identified and neutralized, we will commence the cooling process,” said the fire department official.
Local residents have voiced concerns that the fire's extensive damage could have been mitigated had the fire tenders arrived sooner. However, the state's fire services minister, Sujit Bose, who arrived at the scene in the morning, refuted these claims.
“This accusation is unfounded. Given the high demand for fire tenders in this incident, units were dispatched from multiple locations, including Watganj and Garden Reach. Our firefighters are risking their lives to manage the situation. Additionally, shop owners showed negligence towards fire safety regulations. I do not intend to shift blame, but we will investigate this incident thoroughly,” Bose stated.
Conversely, local merchants whose shops were destroyed have a different viewpoint. “First, the fire tenders arrived late. Secondly, the initial vehicles that arrived lacked adequate water supply. Eventually, arrangements were made to draw water from the nearby River Ganges, which significantly delayed the firefighting efforts,” a local trader remarked.
The fire was first detected around 2 a.m.. While informing the central control line of state fire services, locals began initial firefighting efforts. However, due to the congested marketplace, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing the entire area in no time.
“Fortunately, the fire broke out during hours when the market was nearly empty. Had it occurred during the day, the casualties could have been severe. Nonetheless, we are concerned about the extensive property and asset losses resulting from the fire,” the fire department official added.
Point of View
This tragic event in Kolkata underscores the importance of fire safety regulations and response preparedness. While the situation is being managed, it raises critical questions about local infrastructure and community measures in place to prevent such disasters in the future.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in Khidirpur?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials have not released any specific details yet.
How many shops were affected by the fire?
Over 1,300 shops were gutted in the devastating fire that occurred in Khidirpur.
Were there any injuries reported?
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
What measures are firefighters taking to control the fire?
Firefighters have deployed 20 fire tenders and are currently working to identify hidden fire pockets and bring them under control.
What do local traders say about the fire response?
Local traders have alleged that the fire tenders arrived late and were initially insufficiently equipped with water.
