Kolkata: Nine, including firemen, killed in fire; CM visits spot
A massive fire in a high-rise building, that houses the offices of Eastern Railways, in Kolkata's Strand Road claimed the lives of nine people, including four fire department personnel. A cop is also believed to have died in the blaze that broke out on the 13th floor. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the spot whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation. Here's what happened.
Fire broke out last evening, rescue operations followed
The fire broke out around 6:10 pm and soon eight fire tenders were deployed. According to Sujit Bose, Fire Services Minister, those who lost lives in the accident had boarded an elevator and were going up for the rescue and search operations. Late last night, he confirmed that four firefighters, one personnel from Railway Protection Force (RPF), and an assistant sub-inspector were killed.
Bodies of unidentified persons recovered
Bose also informed that one unidentified person died in the blaze. Separately, fire department officials revealed on Monday night that the bodies of two unidentified persons have been recovered. It was speculated that one among them could be Partha Sarathi Mondal, the Deputy Chief Commercial Manager of Eastern Railways. He had been missing since evening, reports HT. A technician, Sudipta Das, is also missing.
Banerjee announced Rs. 10 lakh compensation for bereaved families
CM Banerjee reached the spot around 10:15 pm. She announced a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh for bereaved families and a government job for the kin of the deceased. Blaming Railways for the mishap, Banerjee said, "Railways was unable to provide a map of the building. I don't want to do politics over the tragedy but no one from the Railways has come to the site."
PM Modi saddened by loss of lives
Meanwhile, the tragic episode also saddened PM Modi. "Saddened by the loss of lives due to the fire tragedy in Kolkata. In this hour of sadness, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest," he said. From Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, he approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased.
Rs. 50,000 announced for those who suffered grave injuries
Probe ordered, Railways will cooperate with state
Notably, Eastern Railways has ordered an inquiry. Chief Public Relations Officer Kamal Deo Das told the media that the inquiry will be led by the Chief Safety Officer. About the probe, Manoj Joshi, General Manager of Eastern Railways, disclosed that a high-level team has been formed. "We will cooperate with the state in any probe they will conduct," he told news agency ANI.
