Kolkata: One person died and around 150 shanties were gutted in a major fire that broke out in the Harichand Pally slums of Dum Dum Park area here this evening, the police said.
“A 42-year-old man died in the blaze, which gutted around 150 shanties. There are no reports of any major injuries as yet. We have cordoned off the area and fire brigade personnel are working. The fire has now been controlled,” said Shivani Tewari, ACP, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.
The fire, which broke out at around 6.45 PM in the slum area under Baguihati police station limits, quickly spread after around ten LPG cylinders reportedly blasted off, the police said.
Twelve fire tenders fought for almost an hour to bring the “situation under control,” a Fire department officer said adding, the reason of the blaze was still not clear. “The cause of the blaze is still not clear, but the fire is now under control,” the officer said. Bidhannagar Corporation Mayor Sabyasachi Dutta, said three medical teams have already reached the spot to extend medical assistance.
“The teams will there for the night. We have arranged for an alternate shelter in a marriage hall in the area for the affected people. Blankets and food have also been sent.
A detailed assessment of the damage will be done tomorrow and all assistance will be provided to rebuild the dwellings,” Dutta said.
