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Large crowds on Kolkata’s Park Street watch firefighters battle a huge blaze Tuesday afternoon in the British-era eight-storey Stephen Court mansion, housing many offices, commercial establishments and residential flats. The iconic Flury’s confectionery/tea room is on the ground floor. At least 10
persons were killed, many when they jumped from higher floors to escape the flames, and at least 22 others seriously injured. The flames were doused after over six hours.
There were dramatic scenes as people tried desperately to clamber down on ropes, and some could be seen perched on ledges calling for help with their mobiles. Huge traffic snarls broke out as gawking crowds clogged Park Street, making it difficult for fire tenders to reach the building with their hydraulic lifts that finally rescued many people. PHOTO: Debajyoti Sarkar