PM Modi mourns loss of 25 lives in Kolkata warehouse fire: 'Very tragic and saddening...'

PM Modi

• PM Modi mourns Anandapur fire, announces Rs 2 lakh aid for victims' families
• Wow! Momo to give Rs 10 lakh, lifelong support to families of deceased workers
• DNA profiling needed to identify victims; probe into fire's cause continues

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the deadly fire incident in Anandapur, West Bengal, that claimed at least 25 lives, describing the tragedy as “very tragic and saddening.” He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery for those injured in the blaze.

The Prime Minister announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, stating that the families of those who died would receive Rs. 2 lakh each, while the injured would be provided Rs. 50,000.

“The recent fire mishap in Anandapur, West Bengal is very tragic and saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi," the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X.

The fire broke out late on the night of January 26 and engulfed two godowns along with a momo manufacturing unit, news agency PTI reported. The inferno left the structures completely gutted, with officials later recovering charred debris and human remains from the site. Fire department officials said the blaze has since been extinguished, and teams from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation are now removing debris using gas cutters.

Authorities said several partially burnt and skeletal remains have been recovered, making DNA profiling necessary to confirm identities. Police have received 27 missing persons complaints, most of them from families in Purba Medinipur district.

Preliminary findings indicate that a picnic had taken place at the decorator’s godown on the night of January 25, with around 28 people present. According to eyewitness accounts, many workers had gone to sleep after dinner when the fire suddenly erupted. Investigators are examining whether a cigarette or another flammable substance may have sparked the blaze.

Meanwhile, popular fast food chain Wow! Momo also mourned the deaths of three of its workers who were among the victims. The company termed the incident a “heartbreaking loss” and announced a comprehensive support package for the affected families, including Rs 10 lakh compensation for each family, lifelong monthly salary support, and complete education sponsorship for the children of the deceased employees.

“A heartbreaking loss that has left us deeply saddened. We grieve the passing of three valued lives and extend our deepest condolences to their families. We stand together in prayer, support, and responsibility," Wow! Momo said in a post on X.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.