Two labourers died and three others were critically injured after a fire broke out at a leather goods manufacturing unit in Tiljala, Kolkata around 1pm on Tuesday May 12, 2026. The workers allegedly suffocated after getting trapped inside a washroom while trying to escape heavy smoke inside the building.
The fire took place at a Ground +4 mixed use building on GJ Khan Road where a leather goods manufacturing unit was operating from multiple floors of the building. Residents lived on the upper floors while the ground floor was reportedly used as a garage.
Since the official report is yet to be released, police suspect the fire may have started due to a short circuit while carbon monoxide poisoning may have caused the deaths, according to reports by The Times of India and The Telegraph. Investigators said smoke quickly spread across the premises and blocked the only exit of the room.
The fire possibly caused the metal lock to expand, preventing the door from opening. Smoke accumulated inside and they suffocated. By the time they were rescued, all five were unconscious.
All five were taken to hospital. Two were declared dead. The condition of the three admitted patients is critical.
The deceased were identified as Md Hasanur Zaman (40) and Rajesh (35). The injured were identified as Md Yusuf, Gour Sardar and Md Tanveer. Yusuf and Sardar remain critical, doctors said.
A labourer involved in the rescue said workers returning from lunch found the building filled with smoke. He said they broke open the washroom door and found the five workers unconscious with no visible burn injuries.
Police commissioner Ajay Nand said preliminary findings pointed to an electrical fault, while forensic teams are continuing the investigation. Four fire tenders brought the blaze under control by 2.45pm.
“Wait for the fact-finding team’s report by 11 am on Wednesday. Keep in mind that this is the first, and the last such incident. Illegal activities will not be allowed.”
– Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Minister of West Bengal
Chief secretary Manoj Agarwal formed a four-member committee including senior officials from Kolkata Police, KMC, MSME and fire services departments. The panel has been asked to submit its report by 11am on Wednesday.
