Siliguri, 22nd February: A sudden fire broke out on Sunday afternoon at an old multi-storey market complex located in the Mahabirsthan area of Siliguri, triggering panic in the locality. The blaze reportedly started from the section where all the building’s electricity meters were installed and quickly spread within that area.
On receiving information, three fire tenders rushed to the spot and launched firefighting operations. As thick smoke engulfed parts of the building, people present inside the market complex immediately evacuated in fear. However, since it was Sunday and most of the shops remained closed, a major tragedy was averted.
Police from Siliguri Police Station also reached the scene shortly after the incident. Leader of the Opposition at Siliguri Municipal Corporation and ward councillor Amit Jain visited the spot upon receiving news of the fire.
According to fire brigade and police sources, the market complex lacked adequate firefighting arrangements, which made it difficult to control the flames. The narrow lanes in the area further hampered the movement of fire engines. Firefighters initially had to position an engine from atop the Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das Flyover to begin dousing operations. Later, two additional fire tenders managed to enter the lanes of Mahabirsthan to assist in bringing the situation under control.
Sources stated that the multi-storey building is quite old and has been functioning as a market complex for a long time. Alleged negligence in maintaining safety standards is being seen as a contributing factor behind the incident. The fire department has summoned the building owner and management for questioning.
Preliminary investigation suggests that a short circuit may have caused the fire.