Fire breaks out in slum area of Kolkata

A terrible fire broke out at a slum area in Kolkata's Topsia on Tuesday (November 10) evening. More than 50 slums or shanties were destroyed by the fire. At least 270 people, most of them slum dwellers, have been distressed due to the fire.  

A massive fire broke out at a slum area in Kolkata's Topsia on Tuesday (November 10). At least 270 people, most of them slum dwellers, have been distressed due to the fire.

According to the sources, more than 50 slums or shanties were destroyed by the fire that broke out in the area on Tuesday evening. However, no casualties have been reported so far.

The blaze spread fast owing to the presence of combustible articles in the structures. At least 12 fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the fire under control.

Local people said that the flames were first spotted around 4 pm, following which area people tried to douse the fire. They also informed the fire brigade.

A fire brigade official said, “Area residents had stockpiled inflammable articles like plastic drums, chemical solutions etc in those shanties for business purpose. Maybe that was the reason the fire spread so far, gutting at least 50 temporary structures.”