Kolkata’s Central Market Hit By Major Fire, 300 Shops Gutted, Firefighting Continues

A major fire broke out early Saturday on Ezra Street in central Kolkata, destroying around 300 shops and leading to the deployment of at least 20 fire engines to control the blaze. The incident began around 5 am in a warehouse storing electrical and other flammable goods, which made firefighting extremely difficult due to the narrow lanes and congested buildings in the area.

Cause and Firefighting Efforts

Preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire, although a formal investigation will determine the exact cause. Firefighting teams struggled to reach the core of the fire and ventilate the heavy smoke because the structures were packed with highly combustible materials.

Casualties and Impact

Despite the massive scale of the fire, there are no reports of casualties or injuries so far. Workers and residents nearby were evacuated quickly. However, the blaze caused extensive property and material losses, significantly affecting the business community in the Burrabazar and Ezra Street area.

Current Situation

Fire department and emergency teams remain at the spot to ensure the fire is fully doused and the area is safe. Authorities have cordoned off the locality and are investigating the origin of the blaze. Public traffic has been diverted for safety.