Kolkata warehouse fire death toll rises to 21, 28 still missing, probe underway

A devastating fire that broke out late Sunday night in an industrial cluster near Kolkata has claimed at least 21 lives so far, with 28 people still missing , raising fears that the toll may rise further as rescue teams continue to clear the debris.

The blaze erupted around 9 pm on January 26 at Anandapur in South 24 Parganas district, on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata. According to officials, the fire started inside a godown and quickly spread to two adjoining warehouses and a manufacturing unit of a momo-making company, where several workers were present at the time.

Eyewitnesses said flames leapt several metres high and thick black smoke engulfed the area within minutes, leaving workers with little chance to escape. Many of those trapped were migrant labourers who lived inside or near the factories.

Firefighters battled the inferno for nearly six hours before bringing it under control in the early hours of Monday. Multiple fire tenders were pressed into service as explosions from stored materials inside the godowns hampered rescue efforts.

“When we reached the spot, the entire complex was in flames. The heat was so intense that entry was not possible for several hours,” a senior fire department official said.

As the fire subsided, rescue teams recovered charred bodies and body parts from the rubble of collapsed buildings. On Thursday, police confirmed that 21 bodies have been recovered so far, including 13 found in recent search operations.

Officials said many of the victims were burnt beyond recognition, making identification difficult. DNA profiling of the recovered remains is scheduled to begin to help establish the identities of the deceased.

“Most of the bodies are severely charred. Conventional identification is not possible, so DNA testing is essential,” a senior police officer said.

Authorities are continuing the search for 28 missing persons , whose families have reported them untraceable since the night of the fire. Heavy machinery is being used to remove debris as rescue teams look for more victims.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit or the ignition of combustible materials stored in the godowns. However, officials said a forensic examination will be needed to confirm the cause.

An inquiry has been launched to determine whether fire safety norms were violated and whether the units were operating with proper licences.

“We are examining if adequate fire prevention measures were in place and whether workers were staying inside the factory illegally,” the officer said.

In view of rising tensions and the proposed visit of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders to the site, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been imposed in the area to restrict public movement and maintain law and order.

Adhikari has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to visit the site and to lead a march from a nearby temple to the fire-affected area. The matter is likely to be heard on Thursday.

The fire has left the Anandapur industrial area in ruins, with blackened walls, twisted metal sheets and burnt machinery standing as grim reminders of the tragedy. Families of missing workers have gathered near the site and at nearby police stations, waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones.

Officials said rescue and identification efforts will continue over the coming days, even as fears persist that the death toll may rise further.

“This is one of the most tragic industrial fires in recent years. Our priority is to recover all victims and establish their identities,” the police officer said.