(Image source from: Ndtv.com)
The number of fatalities in the tragic fire that devastated two neighboring warehouses in the Anandapur region on the southern edge of Kolkata has increased to 21. Officials have cautioned that this figure might rise further as rescue efforts are still ongoing. There are still individuals unaccounted for, according to the police. On Thursday afternoon, officials stated that 16 DNA samples from family members have been gathered for DNA analysis. The fire began early in the morning at a decorator's warehouse in Anandapur and swiftly spread to a nearby storage building used by Wow! Momo, a chain that sells momos. Many of the workers present were asleep when the fire ignited. The police reported that they could not escape in time, resulting in several deaths. Families of several workers have since reported them missing, anxious that their loved ones might still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The police have taken Gangadhar Das, the owner of the burned Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse, into custody for causing death through negligence. He was arrested in the Garia area on Tuesday night, underwent a medical check-up on Wednesday, and was then brought before a sub-divisional court. On Thursday, he was ordered to remain in police custody until February 4. According to police reports, four workers from the decorating company survived the fire and may return to the site as needed to assist in piecing together the events. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding the operation of Wow! Momo, the chain whose warehouse suffered significant damage in the fire. Police have indicated that the company had rented the storage space from Gangadhar Das, and investigators are looking into whether fire safety regulations were adhered to. Reports from the investigation detail that Wow! Momo operated a large 12,000-square-foot warehouse at that location. This facility was used to store packaging materials, drinks, and other essential items, most of which were lost in the fire.
At the main entrance of the warehouse, there were piles of materials that might have blocked access. Investigators also discovered that the warehouse and storage complex did not have clearance from the fire department. The facility is situated in the marshy Nazirabad area, a somewhat isolated stretch near Anandapur along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. Local residents have noted that this area of eastern Kolkata, which used to be a significant water area for the city, has been increasingly filled in unlawfully in recent years. Search efforts are ongoing to confirm that no more individuals are trapped inside the burned-down structure. Officials from the fire department are inspecting the site to find out what caused the fire.
Wow! Momo has released statements confirming that some of its employees have died. In an early announcement, the company reported that three workers lost their lives. In a more comprehensive statement shared on Wednesday, the company indicated that they had lost two staff members and one security guard in the fire on January 26. The company explained that the fire started around 3 am at a nearby warehouse and quickly spread into one of its storage areas, causing the facility to be completely destroyed. Wow Momo stated that the fire likely began due to unauthorized cooking activities in the adjacent warehouse. "This fire took away not just our colleagues, but also our spirit. As part of our commitment, the company announced a one-time payment of Rs 10 lakh to each affected family, ongoing monthly salary support for the families of the deceased, and educational assistance for the children of those who died," the statement mentioned.
The West Bengal government has also promised a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to each of the families affected by the tragedy. Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim stated that the compensation will be given once the bodies or body parts are identified, adding that they will request court approval for DNA testing. On Thursday, the Opposition Leader in Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, protested at the scene, blaming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the fire. Families of the victims have voiced their sorrow over what they believe are serious safety issues at the warehouses and have called for accountability. One of the major questions investigators are currently trying to resolve is why those who were trapped could not get out. The police are looking into whether doors were locked from the outside and if escape routes were obstructed.
