Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 9 DEC: A sudden blaze that tore through a cosmetic-goods godown in Shantipur’s Gobindapur area on Tuesday triggered panic across the locality, as fire officials battled towering flames fuelled by highly combustible stock. Though the blaze was eventually brought under control, initial assessments point to losses running into several lakhs of rupees.
According to local sources, the fire broke out without warning inside a warehouse storing soap, shampoo, biscuits and other flammable materials. Residents who first spotted smoke and leaping flames immediately alerted Shantipur police and the Fire and Emergency Services.
Two fire tenders reached the spot within minutes and launched an extensive operation to contain the spread. Fire officials said the presence of large quantities of combustible items intensified the flames and allowed the fire to race through the godown.
While the exact cause of the blaze is yet to be officially determined, residents suspect an electrical short-circuit may have triggered the incident. Officers from the fire department have initiated a preliminary inquiry.
No casualties were reported, but the extent of damage is expected to be substantial. “The goods stored here were worth several lakhs. The loss will be significant,” a fire official said.
The incident has left the neighbourhood on edge, with many gathering around the charred structure as firefighting operations continued. An official estimation of losses is awaited.
