West Bengal: Death toll rises to 21, 28 still missing in Anandapur blaze

The fire erupted in a warehouse on January 26. Pic/X/@kamalrajsingh_

The toll in the fire near Kolkata on January 26 has risen to 21 with more 13 bodies found from gutted buildings, while 28 people are still missing, raising fears that the number of fatalities is likely to increase, the police said on Thursday.

The devastating fire reduced to ashes two godowns and a manufacturing unit of a momo company at Anandapur in South 24 Parganas district, close to the city. "Given the nature of the incident and the extent of damage, the possibility of the toll going up cannot be ruled out," a senior police officer said.

"A prohibitory order has been imposed to maintain law and order and to facilitate rescue and identification work," the police officer said.

The Sunday night blaze reduced warehouses and a manufacturing unit to rubble, leaving behind charred buildings and bodies of workers.

Officials said DNA mapping of the 21 recovered bodies or body parts is likely to begin on Thursday to establish their identities.

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