17 Sep 2018 | 10:17 AM UTC
India: Fire ongoing at Kolkata market Sep. 17
Fire ongoing at the famous Bagree Market in downtown Kolkata since early Sunday, September 16
Event
A fire has been raging in the famous Bagree Market, in downtown Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), since early Sunday, September 16. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to the scene but are continue to face difficulties as of Monday due to localized water scarcities. The fire broke out around 02:00 (local time) on September 16 and has so far gutted over 1000 business establishments at the market. No loss of life has been reported.
Context
In February 2013, a large fire occurred in a five-story marketplace in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state. Twenty people working in the market were killed in the fire, which may have been sparked by a short circuit. Two years earlier, another major fire destroyed the 2011 AMRI hospital in Kolkata, killing 90.
Advice
Individuals present in Kolkata are advised to avoid the Bagree Market area until the situation stabilizes, anticipate road restrictions and associated traffic disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
