Kolkata: A fire broke out at the hanging restaurant atop the Biswa Bangla Gate in New Town on Dashami (Wednesday) evening, triggering panic with smoke coming out from the restaurant and sparks falling down onto the road at Biswa Bangla crossing with vehicles moving about 80 feet below. There were, however, no injuries or major damage as the authorities took prompt emergency steps to evacuate the customers and restaurant staff and managed to douse the fire within 30 minutes.Firefighting officials said that the exact reason for the fire was yet to be ascertained, with officers suspecting a short circuit behind the incident. The hanging restaurant was closed and would be reopened after conducting safety maintenance work.The incident occurred around 6.30 pm when thick smoke started billowing from a portion of the restaurant atop Biswa Bangla Gate. Fire sparks started to come out and fall onto the main thoroughfare below as the traffic police officers on the spot immediately informed the firefighters.One fire tender was rushed to the spot and police officers along with firefighters reached the spot within minutes. The spot below where the fire sparks were falling was temporarily cordoned off and traffic movement was diverted to ensure public safety.Officials said there were not many diners at the restaurant at that time when the fire broke out as they, along with the restaurant staff, were promptly evacuated from the elevated structure before the situation could escalate. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control in less than half an hour. Officials said the portion where the fire had broken out was covered with fire-preventing cloth which prevented the fire from spreading.Normal traffic on the main arterial road resumed once the fire was doused and vehicular movement declared safe. An inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact source and cause of the fire. The West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), which operates and maintains Biswa Bangla Gate and the hanging restaurant, in collaboration with fire department officials, is investigating potential causes, including a possible kitchen malfunction or an electrical short circuit. A formal safety audit of the premises to evaluate existing fire safety protocols will also be conducted to prevent any such future occurrences.
