Fire breaks out near Howrah Bridge in Phool Bazar, traffic disrupted

A massive fire broke out late Thursday night, April 16, in the busy flower market (phool bazar) area near Kolkata’s iconic Mullick Ghat on the approach to Howrah Bridge. The blaze reportedly started in a grocery shop adjacent to the flower market and quickly spread to nearby structures, causing widespread panic in the densely populated commercial zone.

The West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services responded promptly to the emergency. While two fire engines were initially deployed, the count was increased to 7 engines as the severity of the fire became apparent. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to the high volume of flammable materials in the market and thick smoke that was visible from a distance across the Hooghly River.

In the interest of public safety, the Kolkata and Howrah Police restricted traffic on the main road connecting the two cities via the Howrah Bridge. Vehicles traveling from Kolkata to Howrah were diverted to alternative routes, leading to significant congestion in the Burrabazar and Strand Road areas.

As of the latest reports, no casualties or injuries have been confirmed. While the fire has been largely contained, "cooling-off" operations are ongoing to prevent any reignition. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation by the fire department and local police.