Kolkata witnessed a dramatic scene on Sunday afternoon when a massive fire broke out in a high-rise residential tower in Tollygunge, sending several prominent figures from the Bengali film industry scrambling to safety on the streets below. The incident occurred at Diamond City Residence Tower 2, a posh multi-story building housing celebrities including the popular actor couple Yash and Nusurat, as well as actress and Trinamool Congress MLA Sayantika Banerjee.
Thick black smoke billowed from the structure, enveloping the entire building and creating panic among residents and onlookers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the blaze originated on the fifth floor, reportedly from an unattended oil lamp lit during Shivratri puja in a resident’s home temple. The family had left the diya burning before heading downstairs, leading to the fire in their absence.
Firefighters responded swiftly, dispatching four fire tenders to the scene. They managed to douse the flames efficiently, preventing the fire from spreading to upper floors where Yash and Nusurat’s flat is located. The couple, fearing for their lives and those of their two young children, evacuated immediately via the stairs after lifts were shut down.
Director Shubhrajit Mitra, residing on the 18th floor, shared a firsthand account. ‘My mother is ill at home, so it took me longer to get down without the elevator. I saw everyone rushing down the stairs in panic,’ he recounted. Mitra pointed out the puja-related mishap as the likely cause, underscoring the dangers of leaving open flames unattended.
Sayantika Banerjee, who was not present during the incident, confirmed her safety from a camp in Baranagar. ‘I heard about the fire but was not there. I’m fine,’ she stated. The event has raised concerns over fire safety in high-rises, especially after a similar blaze just two days prior in Salt Lake’s Globus Crystal building injured a woman employee.
Property damage is expected to be significant, and local authorities are investigating. This close call serves as a stark reminder for residents in densely packed urban towers to prioritize safety protocols amid festive preparations.