A devastating fire erupted at an electric scooter showroom in Kota, Rajasthan, on Wednesday morning, resulting in the complete destruction of approximately 60 electric vehicles and causing significant financial damage.
Rapid Blaze and Emergency Response
The incident occurred at a showroom located on 80 Feet Road in Kota City. According to Fire Officer Rakesh Vyas, the fire department received an alert and dispatched firefighting vehicles to the location by 7.50 am. The fire spread with alarming speed, and within minutes, thick, billowing smoke was visible from outside the building, prompting local residents to urgently contact both the police and fire services.
Eyewitnesses reported a terrifying scene, with flames soaring as high as 10 feet from the showroom. The situation required the immediate evacuation of clients from a gym situated above the showroom to ensure their safety. Fortunately, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident.
Extent of the Damage and Cause
The fire not only gutted the primary electric scooter showroom but also spread to an adjacent e-rickshaw showroom. Preliminary investigations by the fire department point towards a short circuit within the shop as the likely cause of the blaze.
The financial toll is substantial, with initial estimates pegging the losses at over Rs 50 lakh. The inventory lost in the fire includes:
- 50 electric scooters from the main showroom.
- 10 e-rickshaws from the neighboring showroom, which were completely burned.
Fire Officer Rakesh Vyas assured that the situation was brought under control and stated that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Aftermath and Local Impact
This incident highlights the potential fire risks associated with establishments housing multiple high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. The rapid escalation of the fire underscores the importance of robust electrical safety protocols and immediate emergency response. The local business community in Kota is assessing the impact of this significant event, which serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of such accidents.
