Major Industrial Fire Erupts in Bhopal, Visible Across City Skyline
A massive blaze erupted at a fabrication factory located in Kasturba Nagar, opposite the Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Bhopal, on Sunday afternoon. The fire broke out around 3:30 pm, sending towering flames and thick, dark smoke into the sky that triggered widespread panic throughout the area.
Panic and Evacuation as Smoke Plume Lingers for Hours
The intensity of the fire was such that the smoke plume was visible from several kilometers away, lingering ominously in the sky for over three hours. As a safety precaution, authorities immediately evacuated the nearby Lal Bahadur Ahir slum. Families were seen hurriedly moving their belongings into the streets, creating a scene of disruption and concern.
Emergency services, including ambulances, police personnel, and municipal officials, remained on-site throughout the incident to manage the evolving situation and ensure public safety.
Rapid Firefighting Response Mobilizes Multiple Agencies
The Bhopal Municipal Corporation Fire Control acted swiftly, mobilizing resources from multiple fire stations across the city. More than a dozen fire engines were initially dispatched to combat the flames. However, the fire spread rapidly due to the large stock of combustible materials inside the factory, including wood, chemicals, and plastic.
Fire Officer Saurabh Kumar Patel confirmed that the exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Preliminary investigations suggest that a furniture warehouse within the industrial complex significantly intensified the blaze, contributing to its ferocity.
Escalated Efforts Involving BHEL CISF and Bulldozers
As conditions deteriorated, the firefighting effort was bolstered by the arrival of the BHEL CISF fire team. In a strategic move to gain better access, bulldozers were deployed to break through the factory walls. This allowed firefighters to direct water streams more effectively into the heart of the inferno.
The operation escalated dramatically, with over 40 fire engines from various parts of Bhopal eventually being deployed at the scene. Firefighters engaged in a relentless, nearly six-hour battle against the flames before finally managing to subdue the fire.
Subdued Flames Leave Behind Significant Damage
Although the flames were brought under control, smoke continued to rise from the site late into the night. Authorities have reported that no casualties occurred during this major industrial incident, which is a significant relief given the scale of the fire.
However, the aftermath reveals substantial destruction. Most of the goods stored within the factory have been destroyed. The full extent of the damage is still being carefully assessed by officials. This incident underscores critical concerns regarding fire safety protocols in industrial zones and the need for stringent preventive measures.
