Fire Destroys 12 Homes in Kolkata's Ultadanga Area; Short Circuit Suspected as Cause

A major fire engulfed 12 houses in Kolkata's Ultadanga, causing widespread destruction in the Haatpally slum. The fire spread quickly through the area, affecting several makeshift homes. The fire department responded swiftly, bringing the situation under control after three hours of intense firefighting.

By Joseph Mathews Dec 5, 2024, 18:14 IST

Kolkata's Ultadanga neighborhood is reeling under the shock of a devastating fire that devastated Haat Tapally slum area, leaving 12 homes destroyed. The fire, near a railway track in a densely populated area, spread to nearby shanties suddenly and caused panic among residents. Six fire engines from the fire department rushed to the scene, and after three hours of intense firefighting efforts, the flames were finally brought under control.

The authorities suspect a possible short circuit caused the fire, which was blamed on the flammable materials present there. The police are still investigating, but preliminary reports say the fire started in one of the homes before spreading quickly to engulf the shacks there.

Both incidents raise questions on how poor safety measures can increase risks in crowded and industrial places like Kolkata, thereby challenging enforcement and the call for sterner control over such calamities.