Kolkata blast alert: After Newtown, Kankurgachhi witnesses second cylinder blast within 24 hours

Kolkata was shaken by a second major fire-and-explosion incident within just 24 hours after a terrifying blast rocked the Kankurgachhi area late Thursday night. The incident comes a day after a massive fire broke out in a slum area of Newtown, raising serious concerns over fire safety and storage of flammable materials across the city.

According to fire department sources and local residents, a fierce fire erupted around 3 am at a warehouse in Ghosh Bagan, Kankurgachhi. Moments later, a series of powerful explosions followed, triggering panic across the neighbourhood. Residents claimed that 25 to 30 moderate-to-strong blasts were heard, with the shockwaves reportedly shaking houses up to 200 metres away.

Seven fire engines were rushed to the spot and firefighting operations are still underway. Four ambulances have also been deployed as a precautionary measure. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and officials have not yet confirmed what materials were stored inside the warehouse, though there is strong suspicion that highly flammable substances or cylinders may have been present.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as families rushed out of their homes in the middle of the night. “I have never seen such a terrible fire before. It felt like a war zone,” said a local resident, recounting the fear as repeated explosions echoed through the area.

This incident follows a major fire in Newtown on December 17where flames broke out in a slum area around 7:15 pm and spread rapidly to adjacent shanties. At least 10 fire tenders were deployed to control that blaze. While no casualties were reported in Newtown, the area had to be cordoned off and traffic diverted as firefighters and locals worked together to douse the flames.

In the Kankurgachhi incident, the number of casualties and the extent of damage are yet to be confirmed. Police have launched an investigation, and fire officials are expected to conduct a detailed probe to determine the source of the fire and explosions.

Disclaimer: Details are based on initial inputs from local residents and emergency responders. Official confirmation on casualties, cause, and damage assessment is awaited.