A significant fire broke out at a licensed firecracker shop in Pune on Thursday evening, leading to a massive emergency response. The incident occurred at Tapkir Chowk in the Kalewadi area, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and causing alarm among local residents.
Intense Firefighting Operation
As many as 10 fire tenders were rushed to the scene to combat the rapidly spreading flames. The presence of exploding firecrackers within the shop made the task extremely hazardous and challenging for the firefighting teams. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Vishal Gaikwad, it took the fire brigade at least one intense hour to finally bring the blaze under control.
Miraculous Escape and Swift Rescue
In a fortunate turn of events, no one sustained any injuries in the fire. However, the situation was critical as the shop was located in a building that also housed a hospital. Demonstrating commendable efficiency and bravery, the fire brigade personnel safely rescued all the patients from the hospital to prevent any potential harm.
Adding to the complexity of the operation, the firefighters also had to secure and shift LPG cylinders from a neighbouring gas agency to eliminate the risk of a secondary, more devastating explosion.
Investigation Underway
While the immediate danger has been averted, the cause of the fire remains unknown. DCP Vishal Gaikwad confirmed that the shop was operating with a valid license and stated that the reason behind the fire is currently being ascertained by the authorities. The investigation will focus on determining what sparked the initial flames in the shop filled with combustible materials.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with storing and selling fireworks, especially in densely populated urban areas. The swift action of the Pune Fire Brigade and police ensured that a potentially catastrophic event was contained without loss of life.
