Huge fire breaks out near South City mall

A major fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon at a market near Lords More, located on Prince Anwar Shah Road in South Kolkata. The fire began around 12:30 PM in the slum area behind Lords More, quickly spreading to nearby shops. The fire caused widespread panic among local residents, who initially attempted to put out the flames before the arrival of fire services. By the time the fire reached its peak, thick black smoke could be seen rising from the area, with flames consuming a large part of the market.

In response, a total of 16 fire engines were deployed to the site to control the blaze. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fire, which had spread rapidly due to the presence of inflammable materials, including stored gas cylinders and plastic products. Firefighters managed to prevent the flames from spreading further, though small pockets of fire remained in some areas as of late evening. The fire was finally brought under control after several hours of intense firefighting efforts.

The market area, which is a densely packed slum zone, houses numerous small shops and makeshift stalls. Many of these shops were completely destroyed in the fire, with some permanent shops along the market's perimeter also suffering damage. Authorities reported hearing several explosions from within the fire, which were likely caused by gas cylinders stored in the shops. The explosions further fueled the flames, making it difficult for firefighters to gain control of the situation initially.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but authorities suspect it may have been caused by a short circuit or faulty electrical wiring, given the high concentration of electrical equipment in the market area. The local police, in coordination with fire services, have begun an investigation into the incident. As of now, no casualties have been reported, though several people sustained minor injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation. The affected area has been cordoned off for further safety checks.