Kolkata: Blaze guts chemical factory

Kolkata: A major fire gutted a chemical factory godown at Ganganagar in Madhyamgram on Thursday. As many as 40 fire tenders took more than 24 hours to douse the blaze, which began on Wednesday evening. As the godown was stacked with inflammable articles, the fire spread to other areas rapidly. More fire tenders from Mirza Ghalib Street and other fire stations in the city had to be rushed to the spot.

No casualties were reported in the incident. A number of people, including four firefighters, were injured after inhaling poisonous gas that mingled with the thick column of smoke. The firefighters used water from the adjoining waterbody to douse the flames. The tremendous heat resulted in cracks in the factory wall.

“We had to break some portion of the wall. So, there is apprehension that building might collapse. The local police station ensured that people remained at a safe distance,” a senior official said. It was found that no internal fire safety measure was available in the factory.

“We will see whether the factory was running illegally without any proper fire safety measures as soon as the fire is doused. Strong steps will be taken in case of any leniency,” Rathin Ghosh, chief of Madhyamgarm municipality said. The police is on the lookout for the owner of the godown, who is absconding.