3 Injured as fire engulfs LIC office

Kolkata, Mar 28 (UNI) At least three people sustained burns when a devastating fire engulfed an LIC office building on Jessor Road near Dak Bunglow crossing of National Highways 34 and 35 at Barasat near here today.

According to Fire Brigade sources, the fire broke out at about 1530 hours and immediately, two tenders were pressed into service.

A number of employees and visitors, including women, were initially trapped inside the building as the blaze spread rapidly from the ground to the third floor, eyewitnesses said. They said the fire originated from an electric post near the building.

A number of vehicles parked below the building were damaged when hit by sparks from a burning glowsign.

While most people rushed out of the building, firemen, who entered the inferno, suspected that at least three people sustained severe burns.

Sources at the divisional headquarters of the Fire Brigade at Barrackpore said three more fire tenders were sent to the spot.

A strong police force was at the spot to bring the situation under control as tension prevailed in the area.

UNI XC PL VD KP1742