A devastating fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in a four-storey building in the Topsia area of Kolkata, claiming two lives and leaving three others critically injured. The incident occurred on the second floor of a residential building located at 50/1 GJ Khan Road.
According to initial reports, the fire spread rapidly within minutes, engulfing the floor in thick black smoke and triggering panic in the densely populated locality.
Local sources stated that five individuals were trapped inside a room when the fire broke out. In a desperate attempt to escape the flames, they took shelter in an attached bathroom. However, the confined space soon turned into a death trap as toxic smoke and rising heat filled the area, causing all five to lose consciousness.
Firefighters rushed to the spot with four fire tenders and carried out a rescue operation with urgency. The locked bathroom door had to be broken open to evacuate the victims. All five were immediately taken to National Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared two individuals dead on arrival.
The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
The remaining three victims, who sustained severe burn injuries and inhaled toxic smoke, are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be in critical condition. Fire officials suspect that the blaze may have been triggered by a short circuit, though a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the fatalities were primarily due to asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation. Senior police and administrative officials visited the site shortly after the incident. The fire has since been brought under control after prolonged efforts by emergency services.
The tragedy has sparked fear and concern among residents of the congested Topsia area, with many questioning the adequacy of fire safety measures in residential buildings across the city.
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