2 killed, 3 critically injured in multi-storey building fire in Kolkata's Tiljala

The blaze erupted in a second-floor flat on G J Khan Road, trapping five residents inside as thick black smoke spread rapidly through the apartment.

Two killed

Firefighters rescued all five occupants and rushed them to the state-run National Medical College and Hospital.

Doctors declared two of the injured dead shortly after they were admitted.

The remaining three are undergoing treatment in the hospital’s critical care unit.

Hospital sources said the condition of the three survivors remained serious, raising fears that the death toll could rise.

Smoke spread rapidly

According to locals, the occupants raised the alarm as smoke engulfed the rooms, bathrooms and kitchen, leaving them unable to escape.

Neighbours immediately informed the nearest fire station after noticing dense smoke billowing from the building.

Four fire engines were sent to the spot and began operations to contain the flames.

Fire brought under control

Firefighters brought the blaze under control within around one and a half hours, according to local residents.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Officials at the scene suspect that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, although authorities have not confirmed the cause.

Govt forms high-level probe committee

Following the incident, the West Bengal government formed a committee to inspect the site and recommend legal action.

Sources said the panel includes the Additional Chief Secretaries of the MSME and Fire and Emergency Services departments, the Commissioner of Kolkata Police, and the Commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The committee has been asked to visit the building and submit its findings after assessing the circumstances surrounding the fire by 11 am on Wednesday (May 13).