Kolkata : A major fire engulfed a six-storey market complex in central Kolkata’s Sealdah area early Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and injuring several others.
According to reports, the fire was detected at around 3.50 am and caught the workers sleeping inside the building unawares.
The police believe that at least 30 to 40 people are still feared trapped inside the market complex.
At least 18 fire brigade teams were rushed to the spot to douse the fire. The fire department officials fought the blaze for nearly three hours to bring it under control.
Those injured in the incident were rushed to state-run NRS and Medical College hospitals.
The cause of fire and the extent of damage are under investigation, police said, adding that a search is on to find out if more people are trapped inside the complex.
Heavy smoke and narrow lanes leading to the market are hampering the rescue work.
The market houses many shops and several plastic and paper godowns. Many of those trapped inside are believed to be workers who stay there overnight. The firefighters are using gas cutters to reach them.