A devastating fire at a warehouse complex in Nazirabad has claimed at least 16 lives, with forensic teams now working to identify victims through DNA analysis. The incident, which occurred in South 24 Parganas, has left families desperate for answers as search operations continue into their third day.
DNA Testing Critical for Victim Identification
Forensic experts are currently analyzing 14 sets of human remains, including skulls and bone fragments, at specialized laboratories. The intense heat of the blaze left many victims unrecognizable, making scientific identification methods essential for providing closure to grieving families.
Search Continues for Missing Workers
While 16 deaths have been confirmed, authorities are still searching for 27 individuals reported missing. Distraught families from Purba and Paschim Medinipur have gathered near the Anandapur site, sharing heartbreaking stories of final phone calls received from loved ones trapped inside the burning building.
A senior police official from the Baruipur district explained that the severe damage to human remains makes it challenging to determine exact numbers, as multiple recovered fragments could belong to the same individual. Blood samples from family members will be collected this week for DNA matching, as authorized by the court.
Safety Violations and Legal Action
Investigators discovered the warehouse, which stored materials for Pushpanjali Decorators and Wow! Momo, operated without basic fire safety measures. The facility lacked fire alarms, proper firefighting equipment, and mandatory safety clearances.
Police have arrested Gangadhar Das, the property owner and head of Pushpanjali Decorators. He faces charges of criminal negligence resulting in death and is currently in police custody for three days.
Compensation Announced for Victims’ Families
The West Bengal government has pledged ₹10 lakh compensation for each bereaved family. Additionally, Wow! Momo has announced a comprehensive support package for families of their three deceased employees, including:
- ₹10 lakh immediate compensation
- Lifetime monthly salary support
- Educational assistance for victims’ children
Investigation Ongoing
While investigators suspect an electrical short circuit as the primary cause, reports suggest unauthorized cooking near flammable materials may have ignited the blaze. The fire, which began around 3:00 AM on Republic Day, was exacerbated by poor access routes and locked exits that hampered both escape attempts and firefighting efforts.
