A fire broke out at the Topsia Basti near Science City on Friday morning, leaving nearly 200 shanties reduced to ashes. Eight fire engines have been dispatched to the scene, with police from the Pragati Maidan police station also present.

The rapid spread of the fire is attributed to the densely populated area. “The fire started spreading very quickly. Flames and smoke could be seen from far away,” said Azizul Haque, a resident of the slum.

The blaze erupted around 12.30 pm, with fears of it spreading to a nearby multi-story building due to the abundance of flammable materials in the slum.

Explosions, believed to be from bursting cylinders, were heard emanating from numerous huts. “I was sleeping with my son. Suddenly we heard a scream and came out to see that our roof was on fire. Somehow, I came out with him. I couldn’t take anything useful,” recounted Nazia Begum while speaking to mediapersons. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“I couldn’t save anything except the clothes I was wearing. Everything is burnt,” lamented another resident.

Before the fire brigade arrived, local people used water from the canal to combat the flames. Upon the arrival of the police, they expressed frustration over what they allege to be a delay in the fire brigade’s response. They even temporarily held the officers hostage.