A sudden blaze in central Kolkata triggered panic among locals and commuters, causing major traffic disruptions on the Parama flyover.
A major fire erupted on the fifth floor of a multi-storey commercial building on AJC Bose Road, Kolkata, early Saturday evening, causing chaos in the busy stretch of central Kolkata. Eyewitnesses reported thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, prompting panic among building occupants and passersby. The incident also led to heavy traffic congestion on the Parama flyover, a crucial arterial route in the city.
Swift Response from Fire Brigade, No Casualties Reported
The fire reportedly started around 5:15 PM and quickly spread within the fifth-floor premises, suspected to be housing office spaces. According to officials from the West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services, at least four fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot to douse the flames.
“Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far. The building was evacuated in time, and the situation is under control,” said a senior fire department official.
The fire-fighting operation lasted for over an hour, with firefighters battling thick smoke and intense heat. Early reports suggest that electrical short-circuiting may have triggered the blaze, but the exact cause is still under investigation.
Parama Flyover Traffic Choked as Commuters Watch in Alarm
The incident had a ripple effect on city traffic. As emergency services occupied parts of AJC Bose Road, the adjoining Parama flyover witnessed severe snarls during the evening rush hour. Thousands of vehicles, including buses, private cars, and app-based cabs, were seen moving at a snail’s pace.
Many commuters stopped to capture the dramatic scenes on their phones, further slowing down the traffic. The Kolkata Traffic Police were deployed in large numbers to regulate flow and prevent crowding near the incident site.
Several netizens shared live videos and updates on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, drawing attention to the poor fire safety measures in commercial buildings across Kolkata.
Raising Concerns About Building Safety Standards in Kolkata
This incident brings back concerns about fire safety compliance in the city’s older commercial buildings, many of which have outdated infrastructure and limited emergency exits. Civic bodies have repeatedly urged owners to install modern fire-fighting systems, yet many continue to ignore the warnings.
Local residents demanded stricter fire safety audits and penal actions against buildings that fail to comply with safety norms. “We’ve seen too many of these accidents. Authorities must act before lives are lost,” said a concerned resident.
Conclusion: Time for Better Preparedness and Safety Compliance
The AJC Bose Road fire has once again highlighted the urgent need for rigorous fire safety enforcement in Kolkata’s high-rise buildings. Although no casualties were reported, the panic and disruption caused emphasize the importance of preparedness, timely evacuation plans, and robust infrastructure.
🚨 If you notice any faulty wiring or unsafe conditions in your residential or office building, report it to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation or Fire Department immediately.
