A fire broke out in Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Wednesday evening.
A check-in counter in the departure area was where the fire started. For departure, Section 3 has been closed.
"At Kolkata Airport's 3C departure terminal building, a fire breaks out," an official told to ANI.
"There was a minor fire and smoke on the check-in area portal D at 9:12 pm and fully extinguished by 9:40 pm. All passengers are evacuated safely and the check-in process was suspended due to the presence of smoke in the check-in area. Check-in and operation have been resumed now," said Airport Authority of India.
Meanwhile, Union minister for civil aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia stated in response to the fire incident,"An unfortunate but minor fire broke out at the Kolkata airport near a check-in counter. In touch with the airport director - the situation is under control. All passengers & staff have been evacuated from the area. Fortunately, everyone is safe & no injuries have been reported. The check-in process resumed at 22:25 hrs. The cause of the fire will be ascertained at the earliest."
Although the specific cause of the fire is unknown at this time, the initial report suggests that a short circuit may have been the cause.
At least two firefighters raced to the scene to put out the flames when a fire broke out at the departure gate at 9 p.m., covering the entire airport in thick black smoke. According to PTI, officials claim no injuries.
“Since there was a rush of passengers, airport authorities took no chance and used their firefighters to dose it. At the moment, it is under control and the cooling process is being done,” a police officer told to PTI.
Black smoke covering the entire airport and passengers running in fear, according to reports, sparked panic and frenzy.
Also Read | Sambhal: 4 people, including 2 children die, 7 get injured after explosion at illegal firecracker godown
Also Read | Chhattisgarh: At least 55 temporary vegetable shops gutted as fire sweeps through market in Bilaspur
