Fire Guts Shanties in Kolkata’s Garden Reach on Christmas Evening

Overview

• The blaze began around 4:30 p.m. in a garbage depot area serving a densely packed slum in Garden Reach.
• Seven fire engines responded, bringing the fire under control shortly before 6 p.m. and preventing spread to nearby areas.
• Police said numerous small shanties were completely destroyed, with the full extent of damage yet to be assessed.
• No casualties had been reported at the time of publication, though the incident caused panic among residents.
• Officials opened an inquiry into the cause, citing a possible short circuit or cylinder explosion, as Kolkata has seen multiple slum fires this month including a major Dec. 17 incident near Eco Park.