A catastrophic blaze at a dry food processing unit in Anandapur’s Nazirabad area has entered its second day, leaving behind a trail of destruction and a mounting loss of life. As of Tuesday morning, the confirmed death toll has jumped from three to eight, with fears that the number will climb significantly as search teams penetrate deeper into the charred ruins.
A Grueling Battle Against the Flames
The fire, which ignited over 24 hours ago, has proven nearly impossible to extinguish. While twelve fire tenders initially fought the towering inferno, the contingent has been reduced to five engines that continue to douse the smoldering structural remains. Despite the “war-footing” efforts of the fire services, the presence of highly flammable dry food products has kept the embers glowing, turning the warehouse into a literal furnace.
Desperate Families and a Growing Toll
Outside the facility, the air is thick with the smell of smoke and the cries of grieving relatives. Anxiety has turned into outrage as families claim that over 30 workers were inside when the fire broke out. With 25 people still officially unaccounted for, the warehouse has become a “tinderbox trap” for those unable to escape the initial surge of heat.
“The authorities are just spraying water from the outside,” one frustrated family member remarked. “At this rate, we will be forced to identify the remains ourselves.”
Forensic Identification Underway
By Monday evening, heavy machinery and earth-movers were brought in to clear debris and provide access to the building’s core. Rescuers have reported finding several charred bodies and skeletal remains that are unrecognizable due to the extreme temperatures.
To provide closure to the families, the administration has announced that DNA profiling will be utilized. Samples from relatives will be cross-referenced with the recovered remains to ensure accurate identification before the bodies are handed over for final rites.
As the cooling process continues, a formal investigation into the warehouse’s fire safety compliance is expected to follow, though the immediate focus remains on the grim task of recovery.
