Second Fire in Months at Eatery Near Sealdah Station Raises Safety Alarms
A major fire broke out at a food court near Sealdah station on Monday, the second such incident in months, exposing serious safety lapses.
A significant fire broke out on Monday morning at an eatery located near Sealdah station in Kolkata, causing major disruption during the peak rush hour. The incident prompted an immediate emergency response from the city's fire department, Kolkata Police, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Firefighters faced initial difficulties in containing the blaze. The food court's fire suppression system reportedly failed to activate, and there was no on-site water supply available for the crews. To manage the situation, personnel broke glass panels to vent the trapped smoke and deployed specialised teams to reach the source of the fire.
The blaze, which engulfed multiple food stalls and melted air conditioning vents, was eventually brought under control. However, the incident has reignited serious safety concerns, particularly as this marks the second fire at the same location within a few months.
Officials noted that the facility's unique construction—a converted train coach featuring extensive false ceilings—contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. The recurring nature of these incidents is likely to prompt a thorough review of safety protocols at the site.