A massive blaze swept through a sprawling slum cluster in South 24 Parganas district on Friday, reducing hundreds of shanties to ashes and severely disrupting suburban rail services in the area. The fire broke out in the afternoon in a 16-bigha slum located near Santoshpur railway station, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky that could be seen from several kilometers away.
Fire Engulfs Densely Populated Area
The fire rapidly spread through the densely packed shanties, fueled by flammable materials and strong winds. Firefighters rushed to the spot with multiple tenders, but narrow lanes and a lack of water sources hampered their efforts. The blaze was brought under control after nearly three hours of relentless operation. No casualties have been reported so far, but several people are feared missing.
Rail Services Hit
The fire came dangerously close to the railway tracks near Santoshpur station, forcing authorities to suspend train services on the Sealdah South section for several hours. Commuters faced immense hardship as trains were either cancelled or ran with delays. Railway officials said services were partially restored after the fire was doused and safety checks were completed.
Relief Operations Underway
Local administration has set up relief camps for the displaced families and is distributing food, water, and essential items. The district magistrate has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10,000 each for the affected families. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but preliminary reports suggest a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. An investigation has been ordered.
Residents recounted harrowing moments as they fled with their belongings. Many lost everything they owned. The slum, home to over 2,000 people, was completely gutted. Authorities are assessing the damage and planning rehabilitation measures. The incident highlights the vulnerability of such settlements to fire hazards, especially during summer months.
