Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police to file an FIR in connection with the fire incident in Tiljala area of east Kolkata earlier in the day, which claimed two lives.
The state government also formed a committee to conduct a detailed survey of the fire site and submit a report by Wednesday morning.
The order issued by the government read, “As directed by Hon’ble Chief Minister, West Bengal, in reference to the fire incident at Tiljala in which 2 persons lost their lives, and 5 persons sustained serious burn injuries, and considering the substantial loss of life and property caused by the incident, Kolkata Police is hereby directed to lodge a specific FIR in the matter immediately.”
It further said, “Further, a departmental committee comprising the following officers is hereby constituted to conduct a detailed survey of the site and examine all relevant documents connected with the incident… The Committee shall conduct a detailed inquiry/survey and submit a report to the undersigned positively by 11:00 A.M. on 13.05.2026.”
Notably, two people died, while five others were injured after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building on GJ Khan Road in the Tiljala area of east Kolkata on Tuesday afternoon.
The injured are undergoing treatment in the hospital with burns. Their condition is also critical.
According to locals, the fire broke out on the second floor of a four-story building at 50/1 GJ Khan Road. The fire spread instantly, and soon, black smoke completely covered the surroundings. As soon as the locals noticed the matter, the fire department was immediately informed. Four fire engines rushed to the spot one by one.
The intensity of the fire was so severe that seven people in the room were trapped at that time. It is known that everyone hid in the bathroom to save their lives. However, there too, a suffocating situation was created due to black smoke. Although the fire officials quickly tried to rescue them, it was not possible. Later, all the people were rescued in a burnt condition and sent to the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. Doctors examined them and declared two of them dead.
According to the fire department, the two died due to severe respiratory distress. On the other hand, the condition of the five others is also critical. It is feared that the death toll may increase as a result. However, it is still unclear how the fire started.
The initial assumption of the fire department is that the fire may have started due to a short circuit. The entire incident is being investigated seriously.
(IANS)
