Howrah, 7 February (HS): A massive fire broke out in a jute factory located in Bankra area of Domjur in Howrah on Friday morning. The fire was detected by local residents at 8:15 am and they immediately informed the fire department. The fire spread rapidly as the factory had jute sacks.

Three fire tenders reached the spot and were trying to douse the fire. The fire spread very fast due to the accumulation of tar at the spot. However, all the workers managed to escape in time, so no casualties were reported.

The fire fighters brought the fire under control after about two hours of hard work and now the 'cooling process' is underway. There is initial suspicion that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, but the actual cause of the fire will be clear only after investigation.

Local people also helped in dousing the fire, however, black smoke spread in the area. Since this area is densely populated, if the fire was not controlled in time, it could have spread to the surrounding areas. Damage assessment is still underway, but heavy losses are expected.

After this incident, smoke is still being seen in the area, but the situation is under control.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey