Bengal: One killed in Howrah Andul fire; 12 rescued

Kolkata, Aug 26 (IANS) A major fire broke out in a residence in the Mourigram area in Andul of Howrah district on Wednesday afternoon. One person was killed while 12 people were rescued alive from the residence. Five fire engines were deployed to douse the blaze.

It was learnt that the fire broke out on the residence’s second floor. A preliminary investigation by the fire department indicated that the kitchen may have caught fire first, then spread to the entire floor. However, a short circuit may also have caused it. After hours of struggle, firefighters brought the fire under control. Fire‑fighting officers are working to ensure there are no pocket fires.

The deceased has been identified as Gopa Chakraborty (72).

It was initially reported that several residents were trapped inside the building. Many of them were rescued immediately. Black smoke covered the building and filled the residence, creating a suffocating situation. Those rescued were taken to the hospital.

According to fire department sources, there was no adequate fire‑extinguishing system in the residence. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after several attempts.

A fire department official said a blaze broke out in a three‑storey flat of a residential building in Andul on Wednesday afternoon. The fire also spread to the lower floors. Smoke filled the building and its surroundings, and residents were trapped on different floors. Residents and the fire department rescued the trapped residents.

The official added that a few residents fell ill due to the smoke, and arrangements were made to take them to hospital quickly. Five fire engines reached the spot and brought the fire under control.

A few days ago, a fire broke out in a hotel in Free School Street in central Kolkata, in which nine people died. The aftermath of that incident was not over yet, and this time a fire broke out in a residence in Howrah where one person died.

–IANS

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