Kolkata, 15 February (H.S.)-A massive fire broke out at a garage in Kolkata’s Arupota area, near the EM Bypass, on Saturday morning, reducing several vehicles to ashes. Firefighters rushed to the spot with three engines and launched a firefighting operation to bring the situation under control.

According to local residents, thick black smoke was first noticed billowing from the garage in the morning. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that multiple vehicles parked inside had caught fire. Within moments, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing one vehicle after another. The rising smoke created panic in the area, leading to chaos among the residents.

The fire department received the first alert at 11:08 AM, following which three fire engines were dispatched to the location. Firefighters attempted to douse the flames using water jets from outside the garage. Despite their efforts, the blaze proved difficult to control, and operations were still underway at the time of reporting.

Sources indicate that around 10 to 12 vehicles were completely gutted in the fire. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been initiated.

This incident comes just days after a major fire broke out in Narkeldanga, where 16 fire engines battled the blaze for nearly four hours. That tragedy resulted in one fatality, prompting the Trinamool Congress to issue a show-cause notice to the local councillor. The Arupota fire has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in the city.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh