Kolkata: Four people fell ill after inhaling toxic fumes following a fire at Kolkata’s landmark Chatterjee International Centre building, which houses a large number of offices of multinationals and public sector firms, police said.
More than 20 fire engines rushed to the spot and the blaze was brought under control after three hours. At least 10 offices were damaged. Police deployed a drone to gauge the situation.
The four were among eight people trapped inside the 24-floor building and were seen frantically waving clothes and throwing paper to attract the attention of rescuers after the fire broke out at around 8.30 am.
“Those trapped inside were rescued using hydraulic ladders and sent to hospitals for treatment of smoke-related complications,” said West Bengal Fire Services Minister Javed Khan.
Disaster Management Group personnel and firefighters took them to nearby hospitals from where they were discharged after treatment.
Black fumes were first seen billowing out of the 15th floor of the building — one of the oldest high-rises in Kolkata. The fire later spread to the 16th floor.
Officials were silent about the cause of the fire.
Apart from Khan, Housing Minister Arup Biswas and Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee went to the spot.
The busy Park Street flyover, which was closed to traffic after the blaze started, was thrown open around 11 am.
IANS
