Eight Dead in Massive Fire at Two Warehouses in Kolkata, Death Toll Expected to Rise

New Delhi. At least eight people have died in a fire that broke out at two warehouses in the Anandapur area of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, on Monday. The death toll is feared to rise. Families of at least 20 workers have filed missing person reports at the police station. A Kolkata police official stated that all eight bodies recovered so far were severely burned and difficult to identify.

Meanwhile, political dispute has intensified over the incident. Fire brigade sources indicated that these warehouses, belonging to a famous momo company, stored beverage and dry food packets. Reports of the fire came in at 3 PM on Sunday. Despite efforts by about a dozen fire engines to extinguish the blaze, it was reported that the fire was not fully under control.

Superintendent of Police of Baruipur, Subhendu Kumar, told reporters, 'At this time, it is impossible to give the exact figure of loss of life and property. The incident is under investigation. Only then will the picture become clear.' Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Basu, who visited the scene, stated that both warehouses were built over a large area and an investigation is underway to determine how the fire started.