A major fire broke out on the 13^th floor in the Eastern railway building on Strand Road in Kolkata. One Railway staff, three fire officials & one police personnel were trapped in the building as per sources.

Administrator of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation of Kolkata & state minister Firhad Hakim said, “We could only reach upto the 6^th floor after which nothing was visible. Though the fire is controlled, rescue team has gone inside, and search and rescue operation is on. Ascertaining the actual number of deaths and injuries will only be possible once the rescue team comes out.”

Commissioner of Police Soumen Mitra, Fire Minister Sujit Bose, Joint CP (crime) Murlidhar and other senior police personnel and officials were at the spot and were later joined by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The CM has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation and a job to the next of kin of those who died. She added that no one from the central government came to the site to enquire.

Banerjee said, “Seven persons have died. Our fire officials, RPF, police have lost lives. They were in the elevator and got trapped in the fire. Though deaths cannot be compensated, we have announced Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased and one government job for a family member. The building is a railway office. I thought someone from their side will be here but I have enquired, no one came. Railways are also accountable. We wanted a building plan but did not receive cooperation in that too, I have been informed. I do not want to politicize the tragedy.”

Ten fire tenders were rushed to the spot initially. To help with the operations, Officer-in-charge of Hare Street police station with additional force, a High Radio Flying Squad, and the Kolkata Police’s Disaster Management Team arrived later. Police control room vans had been diverted to the area. Meanwhile, Eastern Railways has initiated an enquiry.

Traffic from Babughat to Howrah had been severely affected. The incident took place at around 6:10 pm. Fire officials said that hydraulic ladders and skylifts were used to control the fire. Most of the floors were evacuated in time with the help of police and fire officials.

 “Eastern Railways will do a top-level enquiry under the leadership of the Chief Safety officer,” said Kamal Deo Das, Chief Public Relations officer of Eastern Railways.