Kolkata, Aug. 31 -- A fire broke out at a Rail Coach Restaurant in the food court outside Sealdah station's main building on Monday morning, sending thick black smoke across the area.
The blaze started around 9.15 am near the entrance to the South section. Three fire tenders reached the spot and brought the fire under control. No injuries or casualties were reported.
Firefighters alleged they initially could not draw water from the station pipeline and had to rely on water carried by the tenders. Eastern Railway, however, said adequate water was supplied through the station's hydrant system after manually operating the pumps.
The glass-enclosed restaurant made firefighting difficult as smoke accumulated inside, forcing firefighters to break portions of the glass to enter.
According to Eastern Railway's preliminary assessment, overheated cooking oil in a frying pan may have triggered the fire, with flames spreading to the duct and ceiling insulation. Restaurant staff attempted to tackle the blaze but left as smoke thickened.
Eastern Railway suspended the restaurant's licence with immediate effect pending an inquiry. A probe will establish the cause and fix responsibility for any lapse
or negligence.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.