Kolkata Warehouse Fire Claims 16 Lives, Owner Arrested for Safety Lapses

A devastating fire in two Kolkata warehouses on January 26 claimed 16 confirmed lives, with at least 13 individuals still reported missing. The blaze, which erupted around 3 AM in Anandapur's Najiabad area, affected a Wow! Momo food storage facility and an adjacent dry flower warehouse. Highly flammable contents in both structures caused the fire to spread rapidly and smolder for an extended period, making rescue and recovery challenging. Forensic teams are working to identify remains, preparing for DNA testing. Emergency services deployed 12 fire engines, and rescue operations are ongoing. Both Wow! Momo and the West Bengal government have announced ₹10 lakh compensation packages for the families of the deceased, with the company offering additional support. Authorities confirmed the warehouses lacked mandatory fire safety clearance. Police have filed an FIR against the owners, leading to the arrest of one owner, Gangadhar Das, as investigations into the cause and search for the missing continue.