A large fire broke out at a shopping mall and biryani shop in Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas, on Tuesday afternoon, creating chaos in the Lalkuthi area. The fire began at a biryani shop located near Atindra Cinema Hall, and within minutes, it spread to a neighboring clothing showroom. The fire department was alerted and responded promptly with multiple fire engines, arriving shortly after the incident was reported. However, by 5 PM, the flames were still not completely under control, although progress had been made in containing the blaze.
The fire caused severe traffic congestion in the area, with vehicles unable to pass due to the streets being blocked by emergency vehicles and fire response teams. Local shopkeepers and residents initially attempted to douse the flames using available water sources, but the fire spread rapidly, making it difficult to control. The fire department’s response involved several fire engines, with teams working continuously to prevent further spread of the fire to nearby structures.
At this stage, the cause of the fire remains uncertain, though initial speculation points to a potential short circuit as the trigger. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities, and the fire department continues to monitor the situation. Local authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to confirm the cause and assess the full extent of the damage.
The fire resulted in significant property damage, but the exact financial loss has not yet been calculated. As of now, the affected shopping mall and biryani shop have suffered extensive damage, and neighboring establishments are also being evaluated for potential impact. Authorities are taking steps to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further damage, with recovery efforts underway. Firefighters are continuing to manage the situation, and investigations are focused on determining the precise cause of the fire and preventing future incidents.