Anandapur Fire: Wow! Momo Under Fire Over Safety Lapses, Company Issues Clarification

Popular quick-service restaurant chain Wow! Momo is facing intense scrutiny after a massive fire at a warehouse linked to the brand in Anandapur, Kolkata, killed multiple workers and left several others missing. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, turned the facility into a death trap, with reports indicating that workers were sleeping inside the premises at the time of the incident.

As criticism mounted over alleged fire safety violations, Wow! Momo issued an official statement expressing grief over the loss of lives and announcing financial compensation for the families of deceased employees. According to the company, it has assured monetary support and long-term assistance to affected families and is cooperating fully with investigating authorities.

The company, however, has also sought to distance itself from some of the allegations. In its clarification, Wow! Momo claimed that the fire did not originate in its main production unit and pointed towards alleged irregularities in a neighbouring godown, stating that investigations are still underway to establish the exact cause. The brand maintained that it follows standard operating procedures and complies with applicable safety norms.

Despite the statement, questions continue to be raised over fire preparedness, emergency exits, and the practice of allowing workers to stay overnight inside the facility. Authorities are examining whether mandatory fire safety clearances were in place and if there were lapses in enforcement.

The incident has triggered public backlash, with sections of social media calling for accountability and even boycotts of the brand. For Wow! Momo—often showcased as a homegrown startup success story—the Anandapur fire has become a serious reputational and regulatory test, as investigations move forward and responsibility is fixed.