Kolkata market fire continues

Multi-storeyed market complex at Burrabazzar in KolkataKolkata, Jan 15: The fire at multi-storeyed market complex at Burrabazzar continued to rage for the fourth consecutive day today.

According to reports, fire is still seen at the tenth, eleventh and twelvth floors of the Nandaram market.

The intense heat generated by the flames have raised fears that a 13-storey building at Nandaram market in Burrabazar might collapse.

The fire control operation by army and Fire Brigade personnel is still underway to douse the flames that have gutted around 3000 shops.

A team of Rajasthan has also arrived to take stock of the situation. Rajasthan Education Minister and West Bengal PCC general secretary Manas Bhuniya have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident.

The devastating inferno that started as a small fire in a shop three days ago in the Burrabazar area has gobbled up savings of a lifetime of many traders.

According to the residents, the fire broke out at around 2 a. m. raging across 'Tripalpatti' area of Burrabazzar.

The flames, which appeared to be under control on Sunday morning soon turned into a devastating inferno that leaped from one floor to another as the traders, watched helplessly.

At least 32 fire engines were rushed to the scene but due to the congestion and small lanes in the area, the capacity of fire fighters could not be fully utilised particularly the turn-table ladder.

Damages were estimated to be worth millions of rupees with goods burnt including electronic and plastic items, tarpaulin and garment and cloth materials.

According to reports, one shop owner at the market died due to heart failure while several firemen were injured.

The cause of the fire has not been ascertained. (ANI)