Fire breaks out at Acropolis Mall in Kolkata, several fire tenders rushed to spot | Watch

A fire broke out at Acropolis Mall in Kolkata on Friday afternoon — the second such incident since Tuesday. Around 16 fire tenders were rushed to the site and the blaze was brought under control after nearly two-and-half hours. Reports indicate that the fire started on the third floor of the shopping mall in the Kasba area. No casualties have been reported. 

"The fire has been brought under control and the cooling process is underway. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, although it could have originated from the air conditioning system. The forensic team will investigate the matter and find out the exact reason," a fire department official told PTI.

The developments were also confirmed without elaboration by DCP Jadavpur Division Bidisha Kalita Dasgupta.

Visuals from the site showed smoke billowing out as firefighters broke through the mall's large glass panels on the outer facade.

State Fire Minister Sujit Bose said an investigation will be conducted.

"Nobody has been injured in the incident. Firefighters did an excellent job. We will send a notice to the authorities of the shopping mall, and in case any lapse is found on their part, necessary action will be taken," he assured after reaching the spot.

The fire broke out around 12.15 pm at a bookstore on the third floor of the shopping mall and then spread to the food court area, the official said, adding that several glass panes of the mall had to be broken to let out the smoke that engulfed the premises.

A senior officer of Kolkata Traffic Police told PTI that the entire area was engulfed in smoke and traffic movement in front of the mall was regulated. Some firefighters had to wear oxygen masks to enter the building, while hydraulic ladders were also pressed into service in the operation.

(With inputs from agencies)