A devastating fire broke out in a slum adjacent to a highrise in Topsia, Kolkata, causing extensive damage and panic among residents. Locals reported that the fire started around 30 minutes before authorities were alerted. The blaze quickly spread across a wide area, engulfing nearly 200 huts and shops. A blanket of thick black smoke covered the locality.
#WATCH | West Bengal | Fire breaks out in a slum cluster in Topsia area of Kolkata, 15 fire tenders on the spot pic.twitter.com/TlW1tFupKD
— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2024
Despite calls for assistance, fire department vehicles were delayed in reaching the site. Witnesses reported hearing repeated explosions, suspected to be caused by bursting gas cylinders stored in many homes.
Witnesses described the fire as “uncontrollable”, with the flames consuming one hut after another. The police from Pragati Maidan station rushed to the scene following reports of children potentially being trapped in the inferno.
Highly flammable material and dry weather conditions are making the firefighting operation a big challenge. A large crowd gathered near the site, prompting authorities to barricade roads to prevent accidents.
Slum dwellers, now left with nothing, were seen wailing in despair. They blamed the fire department for taking 30 to 45 minutes to respond despite their office being “just 100 metres away”. The victims of the fire also alleged that the fire engines arrived without proper equipment. Over 200 huts have been completely destroyed, according to locals, leaving many families homeless.
This incident follows two recent fires at the Acropolis Mall in the Kasba area, including one just a month ago. In both cases, the fires originated in the food courts on the fourth floor, sparking panic among employees and visitors.
