Devastating fire at Surya Sen market in Kolkata killed19

 A least 19 people have been killed in a major fire that  broke out at around 3:50 am at Surya Sen  market in Kolkata on Wednesday. Seventeen people have been rescued so far and taken to nearby NRS hospital and Medical College. 

Surya Sen  market, a godown-cum-shop-cum-office building, was situated in Sealdah near Calcutta University. The market has both shops, offices and plastic and paper godowns. The victims, who mostly were workers, used to stay in the market overnight.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee along with several TMC leaders rushed to the spot.

“I have seen the building, it is a hazard. We have to come up with alternatives. The government will be strict about safety norms. We are not in favour of pulling down buildings or cancelling licences,” Ms Banerjee said.

“People need to stop living in godowns and dingy shops. The government will provide them shelters if needed,”she added.

Fire services minister Javed Khan said that there was no fire safety arrangement in the market.

“We will take action against the market authorities for not having any fire safety arrangement,” Khan said.

Fire fighters and police have control the situation after three hours of battle.

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