Major Fire Incident Sparks Panic in Varanasi's Aneyi Locality
Panic and chaos engulfed the Aneyi area under the Badagaon police station in Varanasi on Wednesday afternoon following a significant fire outbreak. The blaze ignited in a pile of plastic pipes discarded at the corner of the Tulsidas Inter College sports ground, sending thick, suffocating black fumes billowing across the neighborhood.
Firefighting Efforts and Evacuation Measures
Station House Officer Praveen Singh reported that firefighters rushed to the scene and engaged in a strenuous battle against the flames for over two hours. During this critical period, residents were compelled to relocate to safer locations to escape the hazardous smoke. As a precautionary measure, the entire affected zone was cordoned off until authorities confirmed the fire was completely extinguished.
Origin and Suspected Causes of the Blaze
According to local villagers, the UP Jal Nigam had previously dumped black PVC pipes at the college playground, which subsequently caught fire on Wednesday afternoon. While the exact reason behind the ignition remains undetermined, officials are actively assessing the damage. The flames were first observed around 1 pm, prompting villagers and Jal Nigam workers to rush to the spot and separate some sections of the pipes in an attempt to control the spread.
Initial suspicions point towards sparking from a nearby transformer or overhead wire as a potential trigger for the fire. The thick black smoke emanating from the site was visible from a distance of nearly 10 kilometers, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
The incident has raised concerns about safety and waste management practices in the area. Authorities are continuing their investigations to pinpoint the precise cause and evaluate the full extent of the loss. Residents have expressed relief that no injuries were reported, thanks to the swift evacuation and firefighting response.
