An estimated 19 people, who were mostly labourers working in the market were killed in the accident.

Most of the people who were killed in the accident were shopkeepers and labourers who stayed overnight in the market.

The rescue operations were hampered by smoke in the narrow lanes leading to the fire and in the only exit available in the building.

The Hon'ble Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, admitted lapses on implementing the fire safety steps from the 2011 incident.

Many of them were reported to be on the lookout for alternate employment and seeking relief from the state government.