Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas:
A devastating fire broke out near Madhyamgram railway station on Tuesday night at a restaurant popularly known as “Bapida’s Shop,” a long-standing eatery in the area. According to initial reports, the fire was triggered by the explosion of a gas cylinder inside the restaurant.
The flames quickly spread to a nearby timber warehouse and several surrounding shops, creating panic among local residents and shopkeepers. Due to the intensity of the fire, nearly 15 shops in the vicinity were completely gutted.
Tragically, one elderly person lost his life in the incident. Fire department sources confirmed that the deceased was an employee of the restaurant who is believed to have been trapped inside when the fire broke out.
After receiving the alert, five fire engines rushed to the spot. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly four hours before finally bringing the situation under control. By then, several shops and stored wooden materials had already been reduced to ashes.
Madhyamgram MLA and West Bengal’s Minister of Food and Supplies, Rathin Ghosh, visited the site to assess the situation. He spoke with local residents and assured support for those who suffered losses in the incident.
The fire department has started an investigation to determine the exact cause of the gas cylinder explosion and the circumstances that led to the fire. Local residents have demanded stronger safety measures in the crowded market area to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.