Video | India: Fire breaks out at Kolkata airport's check-in area

A fire brokeout at the international airport in the Indian city of Kolkata, late Wednesday (June 14),near the security check-in counter, said officials.Images and videos emerging from the scene showNetaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport's securitycheck-in area on fire and black smoke near the conveyor belt.

What happened?

An airport official told ANI that the fire broke out atKolkata airport's 3C departure terminal building.As per Indian media reports, several firetenders rushed to the spot aftertheblaze erupted in front of gate number 3C.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known butofficials said after initial investigation that short circuit could be the reason for the fire. It was also later confirmed that no flight arrivals or departures at the airport were affected due to the incident.

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"Since there was a rush of passengers, airport authorities took no chance and used their firefighters to douse it. At the moment, it is under control and cooling is being done," reported news agency PTI, citing a police officer.

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Response to the incident

State Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose told PTI, that his department sent four fire tenders to assist the Airports Authority Of India (AAI) in fighting the blaze at the Kolkata airport.

"Initially, it seems that some fault related to the air conditioning system caused the fire. The exact reason behind it will be known after investigation," said Bose.

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The Kolkata Airport officials took to Twitter and said, "There was a minor fire & smoke in the check in area portal Dat around9:12 pm (local time)and was fully extinguishedby 9:40 pm (local time)."

It added, "All passengers were evacuated safely and check in process suspended due to presence of smoke in the check in area."The officials also said that the check-in and operation will continue by 10:15 pm. (local time).

The IndianCivil AviationministerJyotiraditya Scindia also took to Twitter and described the incident as "unfortunate" but "minor" and said he is in touch with theairport director.

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"The situation is under control. All passengers & staff have been evacuated from the area. Fortunately, everyone is safe & no injuries have been reported," said Scindia, adding that the cause of the fire will be "ascertained at the earliest."

(With inputs from agencies)

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