Kolkata: A devastating fire at a warehouse in Kolkata on the morning of January 26 has turned tragic, claiming 16 lives while 13 people remain missing. The incident occurred at a Wow! Momo warehouse located in the Anandapur area of the city.
Investigations reveal that the warehouse was primarily used to store dry food items. The presence of highly flammable materials, including packaged dry foods and bottles of soft drinks, caused the fire to spread rapidly, engulfing the facility in minutes. Police sources reported that charred human remains are still present inside the warehouse, highlighting the scale of the destruction.
Fire Outbreak and Rescue Operations
The fire reportedly started around 3 AM on January 26, spreading quickly due to the combustible contents inside the warehouse. Emergency services were immediately placed on high alert. Forensic teams are now working to identify the victims and provide relief to the affected families. At least 13 people are still unaccounted for, and rescue operations continue in the aftermath of the disaster.
Company Statement and Government Action
Wow! Momo issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the fire in a neighboring warehouse spread to their facility in Anandapur, resulting in the complete destruction of their warehouse. The company confirmed the loss of two valued employees and one contracted security guard, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire in the neighboring warehouse may have been caused by unauthorized cooking.
Following the incident, the West Bengal government has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the company’s safety and emergency management protocols.
The city remains on high alert as authorities work to manage the aftermath and ensure accountability, while rescue and identification operations continue.
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