Thick Smoke Engulfs Kolkata Neighborhood After Factory Fire

On Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, a fire broke out at the Dey's Medical factory located on Bondel Road in Kolkata's Ballygunge neighborhood. The blaze, which started in the pharmaceutical section of the factory, quickly spread, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air and shrouding the surrounding area.

Residents of the nearby Ballygunge Place East locality were among the first to spot the smoke and began evacuating their homes as a safety measure. Families rushed out of their houses, with some taking refuge in their neighbors' verandahs. The streets soon became packed with onlookers, watching the firefighting operation unfold.

The smoke was so dense that it became difficult for residents to breathe, prompting many to wear masks. Elderly residents stood on their balconies, visibly shaken by the sight. Some families, including those with young children and senior citizens, were quickly moved to safer locations, such as nearby malls and relatives' homes.

While the fire was brought under control within a couple of hours, the residents remained uneasy and spent the evening outside, waiting for the air to clear. The incident has left the community shaken, as they grapple with the aftermath of the unexpected and dramatic event.