Massive fire erupts in Ultadanga slum, over 10 homes destroyed

A massive fire broke out in a slum near the railway line in Ultadanga, Kolkata, around 7:30 am on Sunday morning, sending waves of panic through the densely populated Ghinji area. Six fire tenders were promptly dispatched to the scene to battle the flames and prevent further devastation.

The blaze, which spread rapidly from hut to hut, reportedly engulfed 10-12 homes in a short time. The fire department swiftly sprang into action, working tirelessly to bring the situation under control. By the latest updates, the fire has been contained, though significant damage has already been done to the affected homes.

The narrow lanes and densely packed structures of Ghinji made firefighting a challenging task. Moreover, the area had stored combustible materials, further fueling concerns. The presence of gas cylinders in the slum posed an additional threat, as firefighters, with assistance from residents, worked to safely remove them to avoid explosions.

The evacuation of residents began immediately after the fire was reported. Local families scrambled to save their belongings while ensuring their safety. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries so far, though the exact scale of the damage is still being assessed.

Preliminary investigations by the fire department suggest that a short circuit could have triggered the blaze, but the exact cause remains unknown. Firefighters are conducting a thorough check for potential pocket fires that may reignite.