21 Die After Fire In 2 Warehouses, Including 1 Owned By Wow Momo, In Kolkata

Kolkata is grappling with the grim aftermath of a devastating warehouse fire that has claimed at least 21 lives, with authorities bracing for the possibility of the death toll climbing higher as search operations persistently scour through the charred remains. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the early hours in the Anandapur area on the southern outskirts of the city, has also left an unspecified number of individuals missing, plunging their families into an agonizing wait for news.

The inferno erupted before dawn at a decorator's warehouse, swiftly escalating and engulfing an adjacent godown operated by the popular momo outlet chain, Wow! Momo. Eyewitness accounts and initial police investigations suggest that many workers were asleep within the premises when the blaze ignited, trapping them as escape routes were reportedly compromised. The inability to evacuate in time is believed to be a primary factor behind the high fatality count.

In a crucial step towards identification, officials have confirmed the collection of 16 DNA samples from relatives of the missing, which are now slated for DNA mapping. This process is vital for identifying victims whose remains may be unrecognisable, offering a glimmer of closure for the bereaved families.

Investigation Underway: Arrests and Accountability

The incident has triggered a comprehensive investigation, leading to the arrest of Gangadhar Das, the owner of the gutted Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse. Das was apprehended from the Garia area on charges of causing death by negligence. Following a medical examination, he was presented before a sub-divisional court and subsequently remanded to police custody until February 4, as authorities aim to uncover the full extent of responsibility for the tragedy.

Investigators are also exploring critical evidence from a different angle. Police sources indicate that four workers from the decorator's company, who miraculously survived the blaze, may be brought back to the site. Their first-hand accounts could prove instrumental in reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to and during the fire, shedding light on potential oversights and safety lapses.

Safety Lapses and Corporate Scrutiny

The spotlight has also turned sharply on Wow! Momo, whose warehouse suffered extensive damage. Police sources reveal that the company had rented the godown from Gangadhar Das, and the ongoing inquiry is meticulously examining adherence to crucial fire safety guidelines. Initial findings have painted a concerning picture, suggesting a significant lack of regulatory compliance.

According to ground investigations, the Wow! Momo facility, a sprawling 12,000-square-foot warehouse, was primarily used for storing packaging materials, beverages, and other essential supplies. A substantial portion of these contents was obliterated by the fire. Furthermore, observations at the scene indicated stacks of piled-up materials near the main entrance, raising serious questions about potential obstructions to emergency movement and exit routes, a critical aspect under police scrutiny.

Alarmingly, investigators have confirmed that the entire warehouse and godown complex operated without the necessary permissions from the fire department. This regulatory failure is compounded by the fact that the facility was situated in the marshy Nazirabad area, a relatively remote stretch near Anandapur along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. This particular segment of eastern Kolkata, historically a vital water body, has witnessed rampant and often illegal land filling in recent years, as reported by concerned local residents, potentially altering the land's natural fire-resistant properties and accessibility for emergency services.

Conflicting Accounts and Compensation Efforts

Adding another layer of complexity to the tragedy are the conflicting statements issued by Wow! Momo regarding the fatalities among its staff. While an initial statement acknowledged three worker deaths, a more detailed update later revised the count to two employees and one contracted security guard lost in the January 26 blaze. The company attributed the fire's origin to unauthorized cooking activities at the adjacent warehouse, emphasizing its rapid spread into their premises.

In a public statement, Wow! Momo expressed profound grief, declaring that "This fire engulfed not only our men, but our spirit too." Demonstrating a commitment to the affected families, the company announced a comprehensive relief package, including a lump-sum compensation of Rs 10 lakh to each bereaved family, coupled with lifetime monthly salary support and educational assistance for the children of the deceased. Simultaneously, the West Bengal government has also pledged an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for each victim's family, with procedures for DNA testing and court permission being initiated for identification and disbursement.

Political Fallout and Public Outcry

The tragedy has inevitably spilled into the political arena, with Leader of the Opposition in Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, staging a protest at the site. Adhikari vehemently accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of being directly responsible for the horrific incident, highlighting the pervasive issue of illegal constructions and safety norm violations across the state. The families of the victims, unified in their anguish, have echoed these sentiments, demanding transparent accountability for what they perceive as egregious safety lapses at the warehouses.

A central focus of the ongoing investigation remains the perplexing question of why those trapped inside were unable to escape. Police are meticulously examining all possibilities, including whether doors were locked or secured from the outside, and if crucial exit routes were deliberately or inadvertently blocked. The findings from this aspect of the inquiry will be crucial in determining the full scope of negligence and ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.