Kolkata, West Bengal – The devastating warehouse fire in the Anandapur area that tore through buildings linked to the popular fast-food brand Wow! Momo and an adjacent decorators’ godown has now resulted in at least 27 confirmed deaths and ongoing recovery efforts. The tragedy, which erupted in the early hours of January 26, 2026, quickly became one of the city’s worst industrial fires in recent memory.
Fire Broke Out at Two Warehouses Early Morning (Cause & Spread)
On January 26 at around 3:00 AM, a colossal fire ignited at a warehouse complex in the Nazirabad–Anandapur area on the outskirts of Kolkata. The blaze erupted in one of the two large godown buildings and quickly spread to the neighbouring structure that housed a Wow! Momo supply and storage unit.
The premises were densely packed with highly flammable materials and food stock, including dried packets and soft drinks, which fuelled the rapid spread of the fire. Fire officials reported that workers were sleeping inside both warehouses when the blaze began, trapping them inside before help could reach them.
Death Toll Surpasses 25, Now at 27 Confirmed Fatalities
Initial reports had placed the death toll at 25, but as rescue teams continue recovery operations, two more bodies were found in the charred debris, bringing the confirmed toll to 27 as of January 31, 2026.
Bodies discovered were badly burned, requiring DNA profiling and forensic analysis to establish identities, a process that officials say may take several days before full confirmation.
Missing Persons and DNA Identification Efforts Underway
Despite the confirmed 27 deaths, authorities have reports of additional missing persons from families who lost contact after the fire. Due to severe burns and damage, many remains were found as fragments, complicating identification.
Central forensic teams (CFSL) are leading DNA matching and profiling to officially identify victims and notify next of kin.
Arrests Made – Key Personnel Held by Police
Following the investigation, police have made three significant arrests connected to the tragedy:
- Gangadhar Das, owner of the Pushpanjali Decorators’ warehouse — where the fire reportedly started.
- Manoranjan Sheet, Warehouse Manager at Wow! Momo facility.
- Raja Chakraborty, Deputy Manager at Wow! Momo warehouse.
All three were taken into custody by Narendrapur police and are being questioned about their roles and responsibilities during and before the fire.
The arrests underscore concerns about negligence, improper safety protocols, and possible failure to follow mandatory standards.
Political and Official Reactions to the Kolkata Warehouse Fire
Governor Blames “Systemic Neglect”
West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose visited the site and described the tragedy as a result of systemic negligence rather than an accident. He stressed that due safety measures should have been taken to prevent the loss of lives.
Opposition Leaders Stage Protests
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari led a protest march demanding strict action and accountability from authorities and corporate officials involved.
Prime Minister Offers Condolence and Relief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “very tragic and saddening.” He announced financial aid from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund — ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for injured persons.
Wow! Momo's Statement and Compensation Package
Wow! Momo issued a statement expressing grief over the loss of three of its own employees in the disaster and announced an employee compensation package that includes:
- ₹10 lakh lump sum to families of deceased staff.
- Continued monthly salary to families.
- Educational support for children of the victims.
The company clarified that the fire began at a neighbouring warehouse and spread into its facility, but pledged full cooperation with authorities during investigations.
Safety Lapses and Fire Compliance Concerns
Preliminary findings by fire services indicate significant fire safety violations at the site, including:
- Lack of proper emergency exits.
- No mandatory fire safety clearances.
- Inadequate access for fire tenders.
Officials noted that the warehouses were operating without appropriate safety audits or compliance certifications, raising questions about regulatory enforcement.
Local Controversy Over Land and Construction Permits
Residents and local officials have now claimed that both warehouses were illegally constructed on protected wetlands — areas where building regulations strictly prohibit such structures. If confirmed, this could add another serious layer to legal actions and compensation claims.
Human Impact: Families, Workers, and Survivors
Tragically, many of the victims were daily wage workers who were sleeping at the warehouse site as part of their employment routine. Families from Purba Medinipur and nearby districts have reported missing relatives whose last known location was inside the burning godown.
Survivors and relatives have spoken of difficulty in even accessing the remains or knowing when they will be released, with police urging patience as DNA testing continues.
Timeline of Major Events (January 26–31, 2026)
- Jan 26, 3:00 AM: Massive fire breaks out at Anandapur warehouse complex.
- Jan 27–28: Rescue operations continue; initial death toll reported.
- Jan 29: Police arrest owner of Decorators’ warehouse.
- Jan 30: Arrest of two Wow! Momo managers confirmed, Governor visits site, protests begin.
- Jan 31: Death toll rises to 27; DNA efforts underway.
Safety Lessons and Policy Takeaways
This disaster highlights systemic weaknesses in:
- Enforcement of fire safety and compliance standards.
- Regular safety audits of industrial and commercial premises.
- Protection of workers’ rights and welfare — especially those living on site.
Experts now call for mandatory third-party fire audits, strict building code enforcement, and worker safety training across industrial zones, not just in urban centres.
@Wowmomo4u
— Atrocious (@spacefishermens) January 30, 2026
Really thought they can bury this by promoting false information. Boycott this fucking franchise. https://t.co/YJmxSvmHqM
Prime Minister Modi’s Actions Following the Kolkata Fire Tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly responded to the devastating warehouse fire at the Anandapur area near Kolkata, where dozens of people died when a blaze tore through two adjoining godowns — one of them linked to Wow! Momo.
Conclusion: A Tragedy That Must Lead to Accountability and Change
The Kolkata fire tragedy at the Wow Momo–linked warehouse is not just a story of numbers or arrests. It is a painful reminder of how safety negligence, weak monitoring, and ignored warnings can turn workplaces into death traps. Twenty-five innocent lives were lost while they slept, trusting that their place of work would keep them safe.
While the arrests, investigations, and compensation announcements offer some hope of justice, they cannot bring back the lives lost. The real test will be whether this tragedy forces lasting change — stricter fire safety checks, zero tolerance for illegal warehouses, and stronger protection for workers who often live and sleep at their job sites.
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