Fire breaks out at restaurant atop Biswa Bangla Gate in Kolkata's New Town; all occupants evacuated

Firefighters and police personnel rushed to the spot and launched an operation to bring the blaze under control.

According to Bengali media reports, flames and sparks were seen emerging from the lower section of the elevated restaurant shortly after 6 pm, with sparks reportedly falling onto the road below.

The incident prompted the police to restrict traffic around the structure as a precautionary measure.

Restaurant occupants evacuated

The fire triggered concern among people dining at the restaurant, which was reportedly occupied by customers and staff when the incident occurred.

News reports put the number of people inside at around 40 to 50, although the figures vary across outlets.

Firefighters and police personnel worked to evacuate those inside and bring the situation under control.

Reports said everyone at the restaurant was brought down safely, averting a potentially serious incident.

The elevated location of the restaurant posed challenges for the emergency response, prompting authorities to take special measures to reach the affected section.

Cause of fire under investigation

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. A possible electrical short circuit has been cited in preliminary reports, while the possibility of a fire originating in the kitchen area is also being examined.

These possibilities have not been confirmed by an official investigation.

The incident also affected traffic movement in the vicinity, with police diverting vehicles away from the affected stretch while emergency personnel carried out their operations.

Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding.