A massive fire broke out at a multi-storeyed building housing offices of the Railways at Kolkata on Monday evening. The death toll has now mounted to nine.
Kolkata: Nine people were killed in a huge fire that broke out in an office building in central Kolkata's Strand Road on Monday evening.
Among the dead are four firemen, a police officer, a Railways officer and a security person, officials said.
A blaze broke out on the top floor of the G+12 Eastern Railways’ New Koilaghat office on Strand Road on Monday evening.
It was learnt that the deceased and the injured had taken an elevator to the 11th floor and encountered toxic fumes on exiting. The casualty may rise, said sources.
Kolkata Commissioner of Police Soumen Mitra, Fire Minister Sujit Bose and Joint CP (crime) Murlidhar were among the senior officials seen monitoring rescue operations on the spot.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Kolkata.
Saddened by the loss of lives due to the fire tragedy in Kolkata. In this hour of sadness, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)The Prime Minister also announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of the deceased.
PM has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic fire in Kolkata. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia)Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the spot on Monday night to oversee rescue efforts.
"It is very sad. Ex gratia of Rs 10 lakhs each will be given to the kin of the deceased and a government job will be given to one family member," CM Banerjee was heard telling media personnel.
The fire brigade reached the incident site at around 6.30 pm and started operations to control the fire. The fire was brought under control by 11 pm.