A massive cylinder blast at an oxygen godown near Kankurgachi triggered a large fire early Wednesday, with residents reporting that the explosion sounded like a “bomb or missile attack”.
The blast caused panic across the area, with those living within a 2-3 km radius saying they felt the shockwaves.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “dangerous”, with multiple cylinders exploding and flames engulfing the warehouse. Fire tenders and emergency services were deployed through the night to contain the blaze.
“The blaze erupted at a warehouse on Ghosh Bagan Lane in the Manicktala Police Station area. A devastating fire engulfed an oxygen cylinder warehouse, leading to a series of powerful explosions. The sound of the cylinders bursting could be heard from several kilometres away,” a local police official said.
The incident took place just hours after a separate fire broke out in New Town’s Ghuni slum. Following the oxygen godown blast, residents in Manicktala fled their homes and gathered on the streets in fear as explosions continued.
At least 15 fire engines were pressed into service to bring the warehouse fire under control. Manicktala Police reached the spot along with local TMC MLA Supti Pandey.
According to local sources, the fire began around 2:30 am at the oxygen cylinder warehouse and quickly spread to adjacent units, including a plastic scrap godown. Residents claimed the intensity of the explosions shattered window panes of nearby houses.
Earlier on Wednesday, a devastating fire had reduced a large portion of the Ghuni slum in New Town to ashes, leaving hundreds homeless in the middle of winter. Fire officials said 20 engines were deployed, taking two hours to control the blaze. Narrow lanes hindered operations in the initial stages, and power supply to the locality was disconnected as a precaution.
Fire Minister Sujit Bose, who visited the site, said, “About 200 huts have been burnt. Fortunately, there are no fatalities or injuries. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and forensic teams will visit tomorrow. Local MLAs are also on-site providing assistance.”
Residents of the slum said clothes, essential documents and savings were destroyed in the fire, leaving them with little to salvage.
One resident alleged, “The land belongs to residents and was rented out. People… collect scrap and garbage from outside and pile it up. They live recklessly, and the fire started because of them. This is the third time a fire has broken out here. Local residents are living in fear. Those running these businesses walk around boldly, and if we protest, they try to attack us.”