Howrah News Service -  Latest news and headlines on Howrah,West Bengal and World: Three killed in raging Barasat inferno

Three killed in raging Barasat inferno
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LOCALCORRESPONDENT on 28 March, 2008 10:47:00
 
At least three persons were killed and a few more received burn injuries in a
major fire that broke out at LIC building at Dak Banglow crossing at Barasat in
North 24-Paraganas, about 25 km from Kolkata, on Friday afternoon. Ten fire
engines were pressed into operation to put the raging fire out. At least 40
vehicles, including a dozen two-wheelers were also burnt in the fire.
Though the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, fire fighters said
electrical short circuit could probably be the reason for the fire. Those
injured have been admitted to a local hospital. A few others fell sick due to
suffocation and smoke. The fire started around 3.30 p.m.
Panic gripped the area as fire began to spread. The fire spread when sparks and
flames from the building engulfed the vehicles parked outside the building. The
petrol tanks of the cars and motor cycles burst causing the fire to spread and
creating panic. The leaping flames and billowing columns of black smoke reminded
people of the towering inferno at Nandaram Market in Kolkata. The fire at
Nandaram Market, earlier this year, raged for almost a week.
Many important documents of the Life Insurance Corporation, housed in the
building, were destroyed in the fire. The fire raged for almost two hours before
it was brought under control.