Fire at Maheshtala sanitizer factory, 5 workers injured

A fire broke out in a chemical factory – that produces sanitisers among other things – in Kolkata’s Maheshtala area on Tuesday afternoon. Six fire engines were pressed into service, but it spread rapidly across the factory area and in the surrounding, in which other factories are located. At least five workers were reported injured.

State fire services minister Sujit Basu visited the spot. Fire services personnel were trying to douse the blaze as smoke kept billowing out constantly. Drums containing chemicals inside the factory caught fire and explosions were heard by people in the area. The fire reportedly broke out at around 11.45 am. About 15 workers were inside the factory around that time. The injured were taken to the nearby Vidyasagar State General Hospital in Behala.

Since there are other factories in the surrounding area, there is fear of the fire spreading into those premises, though fire services personnel are working hard to contain the spread.