Pramesh S Jain
A day after the tragic fire at a paying guest (PG) accommodation,allegedly triggered by an electrical short circuit in an adjacent warehouse,police and fire officials on Tuesday conducted a detailed inspection to ascertain the exact cause of the blaze.
A team comprising police personnel,officials from the Fire Inspectorate,and Fire and Emergency Services visited the spot and carried out a spot mahazar, assessing the extent of damage caused in the incident.
The PG accommodation,usually bustling with activity, wore a deserted look as all inmates vacated the premises and left for their native places.Several residents remain in shock,with some yet to recover from the trauma.
“Many of them may not return after this incident.They left in a hurry with whatever belongings they could salvage,”said a security guard at the premises.
PG owner Surya N.P,recalling the incident,said he was out of station when the fire broke out and rushed back upon receiving the news.
“Half of the building is damaged and everyone has vacated.This was our bread and butter,”he said.He has filed a complaint alleging negligence on the part of the warehouse owner and is seeking compensation for the losses.
Residents of nearby buildings,some of which sustained partial damage,have also raised concerns over safety in the area.
Preliminary findings indicate that the warehouse—used for storing banners,LED boards,plastic,and fibre materials—may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire due to the presence of highly inflammable items.
Eyewitness Accounts:
Pawan,the PG’s management in-charge, said:“I got to know about the incident around 12.15 am.
There is a signboard manufacturing shed right next to the PG where inflammable materials are stored.A short circuit there led to the fire spreading to our building. Around 50 girls were inside,but all were evacuated safely.”
“We heard sounds and immediately rushed everyone out.The fire took some time to spread,which helped in evacuating all the residents.Unfortunately, many of their belongings were destroyed,”he added.
He further said the fire broke out around midnight.We alerted the fire brigade immediately.They arrived between 12.45 am and 1 am,and the fire was brought under control between 1.30 am and 2 am.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine accountability and assess safety violations, if any,at the warehouse.
