Kolkata Warehouse Fire: Death Toll Climbs to 19 as Families Await News of Missing Loved Ones
A massive fire that erupted at warehouses in Kolkata's Anandapur area early Monday has left a trail of devastation, with the death toll rising to 19 and dozens still reported missing. The incident, which occurred around 3 am, has plunged families into anguish as they gather at the site, hoping for any sign of their relatives.
Heart-Wrenching Last Calls from Trapped Victims
Among the missing is 27-year-old Pankaj Haldar, whose wife, Moushumi Haldar, 24, stood near the cordoned-off area, recalling their final conversation. "He had called to say that the entire godown was on fire, and there was no escape route. He said 'just five minutes, and then we will die, take care of my daughter and yourself'. Whenever I close my eyes, I only hear this," she shared, her voice trembling with grief.
Similarly, Hare Krishna Maiti, whose brother and nephew worked at the warehouses for eight years, expressed despair. "I know my brother and nephew are no more. I know our family will not get anything to perform their final rites. Their ashes are probably washed away in the water poured by the firefighters to douse the flames," he said, breaking down. He added, "Imagine locked inside and burning alive, seeing the flames engulfing them. No one deserves such a death."
Survivors Describe Chaos and Lack of Safety Measures
Survivors of the fire recounted harrowing experiences as they scrambled to escape. Susanta Jana from Tamluk described the scene: "We were all very tired as there was continuous night duty from January 20. Suddenly, I heard people screaming about a fire. I could feel the heat of the flames coming closer, and the whole place was dark. I ran towards the gate, and we managed to open it and ran for help."
Another survivor, Bimal Bhowmick, said, "I don't remember the exact time; it was very dark. Everyone was calling out to each other, and I suddenly fell down. I got up and ran again. But the smoke was getting heavy. I do not remember anything when I woke up in an ambulance."
An inspection of the site revealed a glaring absence of basic fire safety measures, including no windows, sprinklers, or safeguards. Debris scattered across the area included mangled bicycles and motorcycles belonging to workers who never returned home.
Residents Highlight Environmental and Safety Concerns
Local residents pointed out that the area was originally part of the East Kolkata wetlands, used for fish farming. Protima Mondol noted, "Over the past 10-12 years, these areas have been filled up, and several godowns have come up." Bijoy Munda added, "Hectares of farm land, ponds and wetlands were there. Over the years, we saw the lands being filled up with sand, and then these godowns came up," raising questions about unchecked urban development and safety lapses.
As police and firefighters continue their search operations, families like that of Tapan Doloi, 35, the sole earner for his parents, wife, and five-year-old child, await closure. The community mourns the loss while calling for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
