Deadly fire in Calcutta illegal market

At least 19 people have been killed when a massive fire swept through an illegal plastics market in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on Wednesday morning (February 27, 2013). The fire was detected at 3:50 a.m. at the Surya Sen market complex in central Kolkata 's Sealdah area when the victims, mostly shop owners and workers, were sleeping inside. The unlicensed shops clustered in the building were selling plastics, papers, and foam products which created acrid black smoke that impeded rescue efforts and led to the high death toll. The building had only one entrance, making rescue difficult. Efforts were also hampered by thick smoke blanketing the area. It took three hours to contain the blaze, but rescue operations are ongoing. Many have been transferred to two city hospitals for treatment. In March 2010 a huge blaze on one of Kolkata's most exclusive streets killed 43 while in late 2011, 90 people were killed when a fire engulfed a city hospital. Remember to share this news on your Google+ profile if you think this post is helpful. Thanks for your support.