Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Howrah Andul Residence Fire Kills One, Rescues Twelve Residents
A large fire started in a home in Andul, Howrah, on Wednesday afternoon.
The fire began on the second floor and spread through parts of the building.
Thick black smoke made it hard for people to breathe.
Firefighters and residents rescued 12 people.
A 72-year-old woman named Gopa Chakraborty died.
Five fire engines worked for hours to control the flames.
Some rescued people felt sick because of the smoke and were taken to hospital.
Officials said the kitchen might have started the fire.
They also said a short circuit could have been responsible, so the exact cause is not yet certain.
A major fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in a residence in Mourigram, Andul, Howrah district.
Gopa Chakraborty, 72, died, while 12 residents were rescued from the building.
Five fire engines fought the blaze, which began on the second floor and spread to lower floors.
Fire officials said the kitchen may have ignited first, although a short circuit was also considered possible.
Smoke trapped residents on different floors, and some rescued people became ill and were taken to hospital.
- Who
- Residents of the residence, firefighters, and the deceased, Gopa Chakraborty, 72, were involved.
- What
- A major residential fire killed one person and led to 12 rescues.
- When
- Wednesday afternoon; the fire was brought under control after several hours.
- Where
- A three-storey residential building in the Mourigram area of Andul, Howrah district.
- Why
- The cause remains under preliminary investigation; officials cited a possible kitchen fire or short circuit.
Kitchen-fire theory
Short-circuit theory
Possible cause
Kitchen-fire theory
A preliminary fire department investigation indicated that the kitchen may have caught fire first before the blaze spread across the floor.
Short-circuit theory
Fire officials also said a short circuit may have caused the fire; the exact cause had not been established.
- Death toll
- One person died.
- Deceased
- Gopa Chakraborty, 72.
- People rescued
- Twelve residents were rescued alive.
- Fire response
- Five fire engines were deployed.
- Fire location
- The blaze began on the residence's second floor and spread to lower floors.
- Health impact
- Several residents became ill from smoke and were taken to hospital.
- Safety concern
- Fire department sources said the residence lacked an adequate fire-extinguishing system.