120602 India Panic spreads after minor fire at Howrah station
India Jun 01 2012 “Building” “Other bldg.”
Dead : dead 0 or unknown Burnout : 1 to 29 Injured : injured 0 or unknown
Panic spreads after minor fire at Howrah station
Updated: 2012-06-03-05:48
HOWRAH: Passengers at the Howrah station north (old) complex were sent into a tizzy on Saturday afternoon after they spotted dense smoke billowing from a portion of the passenger concourse area.
An electrical fire broke out on the first floor of the station complex, on the outside walls of the upper class waiting room which led to the smoke. Though the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes, it took some time for the smoke and acrid smell to disperse. Though no one was injured, power supply to some parts of the station, including the Jan Ahaar outlet remained cut-off for quite some time.
The incident occurred around 1.45pm when some electricians were working on the wires that run through ducts along the wall. They suddenly spotted some sparks and heard a sputtering noise. Before long, dense smoke filled the area and blazes could be seen near the windows of the waiting room.
“Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel reacted immediately and used fire extinguishers to fight the blaze. They brought it under control by 1.55pm. By then a fire tender reached the spot.
While the area was cordoned off by Government Railway Police personnel, officials from the fire department checked the spot and declared the situation safe,” an official said.
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Web Source: The Times of India
Date: 3 June, 2012
Country: India