Horror stories about needless deaths in fire accidents are nothing new, yet even basic safe escape precautions take a back seat in residential and commercial premises and we hear heart-rending reports when an accident occurs and avoidable deaths happen. The latest case is from Kolkata. The family of a missing worker, Pankaj Haldar, claimed he made a distress call at around 3.30 AM, Monday 26th January saying, “The factory's main gate is locked from the outside and we're trying to break through the wall.” This is in the backdrop of a massive fire at a factory-cum-warehouse in the Anandapur (Nazirabad) area of the city on Republic Day morning that left at least seven people dead, while 20 others were still missing when the firemen arrived. The fire erupted in a factory and warehouse linked to a popular momo chain, along with a decorator’s storage unit. Officials said the flames spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials stored inside. According to preliminary information, a night shift was underway when the fire started around 3 AM. Narrow lanes around the factory and heavy smoke made rescue work difficult. Sources also indicated that the warehouse did not have adequate firefighting equipment. Twelve fire engines were pressed into service after the fire broke out in the early hours of Monday. Authorities said large quantities of palm oil and cooking gas cylinders inside the premises led to explosions, worsening the blaze. Police sources said the bodies recovered so far were badly charred, making identification difficult. JCB machines and robotic cameras are being used to clear debris and search for survivors. Police were in the process of examining claims that employees were trapped inside due to locked exits. Officials said if the allegations are confirmed, a case of culpable homicide will be registered against those responsible.