Night blaze behind Sealdah station burns down several food stalls

A massive fire broke out under the bridge near Sealdah Station late at night, destroying over 40 shops, including food stalls, flower shops, tea stalls, and small eateries. The fire department received the alert at around 10:45 PM, and seven fire engines were immediately dispatched to the scene. Thick black smoke engulfed the area, causing panic among shop owners and commuters. Fire officials stated that the blaze started in a flower shop and quickly spread to surrounding stalls.

The affected area, located outside the entrance to platforms 1 to 5 of Sealdah Station’s mainline, is densely packed with shops, making firefighting efforts difficult. Firefighters initially faced challenges accessing the narrow lanes under the bridge. Large hoses were used to control the fire, while Muchipara Police and railway officials managed the crowd and ensured safety measures were in place. No casualties have been reported so far.

According to local sources, flames were first spotted in the fruit market near Platform 1, where a tea stall reportedly caught fire before spreading rapidly. The congested layout of the market, combined with possible flammable materials in some stalls, raised concerns about further escalation. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the fire, and an investigation is underway.

This incident follows a series of recent fire outbreaks in Kolkata, including a fire at a food court outside Sealdah Station last month, a blaze at Park Circus Station, and another in a slum in Narkeldanga. Last Monday, a fire near the KPCT Quarters in Taratala also destroyed over 25 shanties.