Major fire engulfs slum area in Kolkata

Kolkata, Mar. 5 (ANI): A major fire engulfed a slum area near Science City in Kolkata and threw traffic flow out of gear on Friday.

However, no casualty has been reported so far.

Twenty fire fighters were rushed to the spot.

The area, inhabited by leather workers was full of plastics and leather products.

The situation worsened in the area due to the presence of highly inflammable and combustible substances.

"I called 20-fire engines due to the scarcity of water. The area is covered with shanty, made of highly flammable plastic materials as well as some plastic materials also stored. Fire broke out and we are trying our level best to combat the situation," said Gopal Bhattacharya, director, state fire service.

Traffic was thrown out of gear as the area is alongside the Eastern Metropolitan bypass, a very busy road of the city.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known. (ANI)