More than 50 families were trapped in a fire in an eight-story building on Ganesh Avenue in central Kolkata on Friday night, leading to two deaths, including that of a minor child, who jumped from the building’s seventh floor. because of fear.
An elderly woman, who died charred after being trapped in the fire, was the second victim. At least seven people were rushed to the hospital, where two are still admitted and under treatment.
The building is located in a congested area, with adjoining buildings dangerously close to each other. The fire was detected around 10:30 p.m. in the basement and quickly spread to the upper floors, fire officials said.
12 fire trucks and a hydraulic ladder were put into service to put out the fire.
Fire Minister Sujit Bose rushed to the scene and stayed there until the flames were brought under control until 4 a.m.
“The rescue of people and the extinguishing of fires are carried out simultaneously. The building has a single entry and exit point that is narrow. This has made things difficult, ”he said.
The source of the fire was suspected to be in the basement.
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When the flames spread to the upper floors, many residents rushed to the roof, fire department officials said.
Neighbors in the adjoining building of the same height placed wooden planks between the two buildings and rescued some people while firefighters searched the rooms of the affected building in search of anyone trapped.
By early morning, most of the people had been rescued and the flames were under control.
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