Kolkata Warehouse Fire: 21 Dead, 28 Missing in Wow! Momo and Pushpanjali Decorators Godown Blaze; Safety Norms Under Scanner

A devastating warehouse fire in Kolkata’s Nazirabad area has raised serious concerns over industrial safety norms, as authorities struggle to confirm the actual death toll. While official figures remain limited, dozens are feared dead or missing, making it one of the city’s worst warehouse disasters in recent years.

Nazirabad Warehouse Fire: What Happened

The fire broke out in the early hours of January 26, 2026, at a warehouse cluster near the EM Bypass in Anandapur, eastern Kolkata. Flames reportedly spread rapidly across two adjoining godowns—one used by a decorator firm and another leased for food supply storage—trapping workers who were sleeping inside the premises.

Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, but the presence of highly combustible materials such as thermocol, wooden structures, packaging cartons, and chemicals intensified the inferno.

Conflicting Death Toll Raises Questions

As rescue and recovery operations enter their fourth day, confusion persists over the number of casualties.

Official figures

Authorities have so far recovered 21 bodies, many of which are severely charred and unrecognisable due to extreme heat exposure.

Missing workers

Families of migrant labourers from neighbouring districts have reported 27–28 people missing, suggesting the actual death toll could be significantly higher once identification is complete.

Company statement

Food QSR chain Wow! Momo has confirmed three fatalities among personnel directly associated with its warehouse operations, including contractual staff.

The discrepancy stems from the fact that several workers were employed by third-party vendors and were allegedly using the warehouse complex as overnight accommodation.

Fire Safety Lapses Under Scrutiny

Preliminary findings by the fire department have pointed to alarming violations that may have worsened the tragedy.

Key safety failures identified

• Warehouses reportedly operated without a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC)

• Absence of smoke detectors, sprinklers, and functional hydrant systems

• Large volumes of flammable materials stored in confined spaces

• Allegations that exit gates were locked from outside, restricting escape

Officials have termed the incident a “preventable disaster,” indicating gross negligence in compliance with fire safety regulations.

Legal Action and Government Response

Following the incident, police arrested the owner of the decorator warehouse on charges of negligence. Multiple FIRs have also been registered to examine the role and compliance obligations of all commercial occupants of the premises.

Compensation announced

• The West Bengal government has announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia compensation for each deceased victim’s family

• Employment assistance has been promised to one dependent per affected household

• Wow! Momo has separately announced financial aid, salary support, and education assistance for families of its deceased staff

DNA Identification and Ongoing Search

Due to the condition of the remains, authorities have initiated DNA testing to establish identities. Recovery work continues amid structural instability and residual fires, delaying closure for grieving families waiting outside the site.

Why This Tragedy Matters

The Nazirabad fire has reignited debate over the unchecked growth of warehouse clusters on city outskirts, where regulatory oversight often lags behind commercial expansion. Experts warn that without stricter enforcement of fire and labour laws, similar incidents could recur.

A Wake-Up Call for Urban Industrial Safety

As investigations continue, the Kolkata warehouse fire stands as a grim reminder of the human cost of regulatory neglect. Final casualty numbers, accountability findings, and policy responses in the coming weeks will determine whether this tragedy leads to meaningful reform—or becomes another forgotten headline.

FAQs: Kolkata Warehouse Fire 2026

Q1. When did the Kolkata Nazirabad warehouse fire occur?

The fire broke out around 3:00 AM on January 26, 2026, in the Nazirabad–Anandapur area near EM Bypass.

Q2. How many people died in the warehouse fire?

Officially, 21 bodies have been recovered so far, but over 25 people are still reported missing, and the final toll may rise.

Q3. Was Wow! Momo responsible for the warehouse fire?

Investigations are ongoing. Wow! Momo leased part of the premises and has confirmed three fatalities linked to its operations, while authorities are probing overall compliance.

Q4. What safety violations were found at the site?

Warehouses reportedly lacked Fire NOCs, had no sprinkler systems, and stored highly flammable materials. Exit locking allegations are also under investigation.

Q5. How are victims being identified?

Due to severe burn damage, DNA testing is being used to identify victims before remains are handed over to families.