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Calcutta illegal market hit by deadly fire | Calcutta illegal market hit by deadly fire |
(about 1 hour later) | |
At least 14 people have been killed in a fire that swept through an illegal market in the eastern Indian city of Calcutta, police officials say. | |
The Surya Sen Market was housed in an old multi-storey building in the crowded Sealdah area of the city. | |
Several people were also seriously injured, and officials say the death toll could rise as others are thought to be trapped inside the building. | |
The blaze was contained in three hours and rescue operations are ongoing. | |
The fire in the paper and plastic market broke out early on Wednesday morning while some people were sleeping inside the complex. | |
State Fire Services Minister Javed Khan told AFP: "The market has only one exit point and those who stayed in the market at night were trapped after the fire broke out." | |
Mr Khan also said the market was illegal and action would be taken "against the authorities for not having any fire safety arrangement". | |
'Unplanned buildings' | |
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, visiting the scene of the fire, promised a full investigation would take place. | |
She said there were many such illegal or "unplanned" buildings in the city and "no one follows any safety norms". | |
At least 25 fire engines were sent to the scene and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. | At least 25 fire engines were sent to the scene and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. |
The reason for the fire remains unknown, but some local officials said a short circuit due to faulty electrical wiring could be to blame. | |
There have been several major fires in Calcutta in recent years. | |
In December 2011, around 90 people died in a blaze at a hospital. A year before that, 43 people died in a fire at the historic St Stephen's Court building on the city's Park Street. | |
In 2008 more than 2,500 shops were destroyed in a huge fire at one of the city's largest markets. | In 2008 more than 2,500 shops were destroyed in a huge fire at one of the city's largest markets. |