In a shocking turn during Shivratri festivities, a fire ravaged a premium Tollygunge apartment block, evacuating Bengali film icons like Yash, Nusurat, and Sayantika Banerjee to safety below. The multi-story Diamond City Residence Tower 2 spewed black smoke, turning a serene Sunday into pandemonium.
The culprit? A diya from fifth-floor Shivratri puja, forgotten by residents who left for additional prayers downstairs. Flames quickly spread, prompting swift evacuations. Celebrity couple Yash and Nusurat, with kids in tow, dashed down stairs from above the fire zone as lifts failed.
Fire brigade’s rapid response—four vehicles strong—quelled the threat efficiently. No injuries marred the event, though property damage looms large. Shubhrajit Mitra, 18th-floor resident and director, shared: ‘Escorting my ill mother down took time amid the stampede.’
TMC’s Sayantika Banerjee, not on site, confirmed her well-being from Baranagar. This echoes a recent Salt Lake inferno that hospitalized a worker, fueling debates on urban fire hazards. Authorities probe causes, likely electrical or puja-related, while locals demand better sprinklers and drills.
The episode spotlights risks in celebrity-packed high-rises: unchecked flames, outdated wiring, and evacuation challenges. While stars escaped unscathed, it’s a wake-up call for Kolkata’s skyline guardians to fortify against such near-misses.