Burrabazar burns again

BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

KOLKATA

June 3: A devastating fire broke out at a medicine godown inside the Mehta Building in Burrabazar area on Tuesday morning. It took 16 fire tenders and tons of foam to bring the situation under control in two hours. However, there were no cases of any injury till reports last came in. A fire department source revealed that like the previous instances, no safety measures were being followed in this affected building as well.

At around 11.35 am, the locals near 55, Canning Street saw fumes coming out from the first floor of the Mehta Building. Shortly, it was found that Vikram Pharmacy, a 50-by-20 feet room in Block B had caught fire.

As soon as the news of the fire spread, six fire tenders rushed to the spot. Later 10 more fire tenders and two rescue ladders were pressed into the action. Using one of the ladders, the firemen reached the first floor, but soon after they started spraying water, explosion sounds were heard from inside the room.

Later it was found that the room had spirit and other chemicals used for manufacturing medicines, stored in plastic containers. Consequently, an air-conditioner was removed and foam was used through that hole to extinguish the fire.

Traffic in central Kolkata was largely affected due to the fire.

"We have blocked the adjoining roads to prevent any further chaos," Mr Kumar said.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been lodged against the owner of the Mehta Building who had allegedly not maintained any of the fire-safety norms. Sources revealed that out of the 500 shops that are inside the building, none of them have any fire safety equipment.