A massive fire broke out on the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (Kolkata) Airport premises on Wednesday evening. Further details awaited. The fire was reported at the Kolkata airport's 3C departure terminal building, news agency ANI stated, citing an official. There is no report of casualties so far.
Initial reports suggested that the fire broke out at 9.20 pm near the security check area due to a short circuit in the 3C terminal building. Sources said that the fire has been contained now.
As soon as the news of the blaze spread, two fire engines rushed to the spot. Later, two more fire tenders had to be dispatched to bring the blaze under control in around 30 minutes, reported Anandabazar Patrika Online. The fire caused panic among passengers. However, alert CISF officers jumped to action and made sure passengers remained safe while beginning firefighting operations simultaneously.
Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose said the firefighters at the spot took all possible steps to ensure safety of everyone at the airport, reported Bengali daily Sangbad Pratidin. According to several media reports, airport terminal operations had to be paused briefly due to the fire.
Union Minister For Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted: "An unfortunate but minor fire broke out at the Kolkata airport near a check-in counter. In touch with the airport director - the situation is under control. All passengers & staff have been evacuated from the area. Fortunately, everyone is safe & no injuries have been reported. The check-in process resumed at 22:25 hrs. The cause of the fire will be ascertained at the earliest."
The Kolkata airport authority in a tweet said: "There was a minor fire & smoke on the check in area portal D at 2112 pm. and fully extinguished by 2140 pm. All passengers are evacuated safely and check in process suspended due to presence of smoke in the check in area. Check in and operation will resume by 1015 pm."