The Kankurgachi oxygen cylinder blast investigation has become a major urban safety issue in Kolkata. On December 18, 2025, a fire at a godown in Ghoshbagan Lane triggered multiple explosions of oxygen cylinders, some of which shot up like missiles and landed on neighbouring terraces. The incident has prompted police and fire authorities to probe whether the godown had valid licences and whether safety norms were followed.
2. Kankurgachi Oxygen Cylinder Blast: The Incident
- The fire broke out early morning in the godown.
- Stored oxygen cylinders exploded, causing widespread panic.
- At least six LPG cylinders were also found inside, kept for reuse.
- Windows and terraces of nearby buildings were damaged.
- Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though the risk was immense.
3. Licence Probe
- Police from Maniktala station have sought details from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the state fire services department.
- Fire officials admitted they have not yet confirmed whether the godown had a valid fire licence.
- Concerns were raised that godown owners often empty combustible stock during inspections and restock later.
- The investigation will determine if deliberate negligence was involved.
4. Governance Challenges
The incident highlights:
- Weak enforcement of fire safety norms in urban godowns.
- Lack of transparency in licensing processes.
- Inadequate monitoring of hazardous materials.
- Delayed accountability in urban safety management.
5. Political and Public Reaction
- Residents expressed anger at the risk posed to their lives.
- Civic activists demanded stricter monitoring of godowns storing hazardous materials.
- Opposition parties criticized the state government for lax enforcement.
- The incident has reignited debates on urban safety and governance in Kolkata.
6. Government External Links for Assistance
- West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services: https://fire.wb.gov.in
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation: https://kmcgov.in
- West Bengal Police: https://wbpolice.gov.in
- Ministry of Home Affairs: https://mha.gov.in
7. Historical Context of Fire Incidents in Kolkata
- 2011 AMRI Hospital fire: Claimed over 90 lives, exposing hospital safety lapses.
- 2019 Bagri Market fire: Highlighted poor fire preparedness in commercial hubs.
- 2025 Kankurgachi blast: Adds to the list of recurring urban fire tragedies.
These incidents show a pattern of negligence and weak enforcement.
8. Global Comparisons
Urban fire safety challenges are common worldwide:
- Bangkok warehouses: Frequent fires due to poor regulation.
- Dhaka factories: Repeated tragedies linked to lax enforcement.
- London Grenfell Tower (2017): Exposed failures in building safety compliance.
Kolkata’s case reflects similar governance gaps.
9. Governance Lessons
The Kankurgachi blast teaches:
- Need for stricter fire audits of godowns.
- Mandatory digital tracking of licences.
- Community awareness campaigns on fire safety.
- Accountability of officials who approve licences.
10. Future Outlook – Safer Urban Warehousing
India must move towards:
- Smart monitoring systems with IoT sensors for hazardous storage.
- Transparent licensing portals accessible to citizens.
- Integration of fire safety with urban planning.
- Regular drills and inspections to prevent disasters.
11. Conclusion
The Kankurgachi oxygen cylinder blast investigation is more than a probe into one godown’s licence. It reflects systemic weaknesses in urban safety governance. Unless stricter enforcement and transparency are ensured, Kolkata risks repeating such tragedies. By learning from this incident, authorities can strengthen fire safety, protect citizens, and rebuild trust in governance.
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