Kolkata, 10 March (H.S.) : A fire broke out early Tuesday morning at a hotel located next to Platform 1 of Gobardanga railway station in North 24 Parganas, triggering panic in the busy market area nearby.

According to initial reports, the blaze started at a restaurant adjacent to the station platform, where several gas cylinders were reportedly stored. A suspected cylinder blast led to the fire spreading rapidly, engulfing nearby shops in the densely populated market area.

Thick black smoke soon covered parts of the railway platform, creating panic among commuters waiting for trains. The incident caused widespread alarm among shopkeepers and local residents in the vicinity.

Two fire engines rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. Before the arrival of the fire brigade, local residents and shopkeepers attempted to control the flames.

As news of the fire spread, many shopkeepers hurriedly shut their establishments and moved to safer places to protect themselves and their goods. Residents living nearby also evacuated the area in panic.

Fire department officials said the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage will be assessed once the blaze is completely brought under control.

Railway sources said that although smoke temporarily affected the platform area, train services were not disrupted by the incident.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh