Fire Breaks Out At Building Housing Offices In Kolkata's Park Street

A fire broke out at an eight-storey building at the crowded Park Street area in central Kolkata this morning. Ten fire trucks rushed in and doused the blaze at Apeejay House, where several companies have offices.

People tweeted photos of the white building, with black smoke coming out of several windows and orange flames burning inside. Behind the building where some people had assembled after they were evacuated, a long plume of black smoke could be seen rising against the blue sky.

All the people in the building were evacuated, fire department officials said.

They said the fire started at one of the offices on the 5th floor in the centrally air-conditioned building.

Officials said the first fire alarm rang at 11 am. Apeejay House is adjacent to Park Hotel, and both properties are owned by Apeejay Surrendra Group.

The Kolkata traffic police stopped all vehicles from entering Park Street for some time. Traffic at nearby areas has been affected.

Park Street fire: People stand near Apeejay House where a fire broke out

"Apeejay House had a fire incident today around 11:10 am. The commercial building has a robust fire safety system which kicked in immediately and everyone was evacuated. There were no injuries or casualty. Fire started in the office of Kotak Securities, a tenant with offices on the 5th floor in Block C," an Apeejay Surrendra Group spokesperson said.