A massive fire broke out in a school building in Bengaluru on Thursday, causing extensive damage to the structure but resulting in no casualties, officials said.
Fire Erupts in School Premises
The blaze started in the early morning hours at a private school located in the Yelahanka area of the city. According to fire department officials, the fire was noticed around 4:30 am and quickly spread across multiple floors of the building.
Fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and it took nearly three hours for the firefighters to bring the situation under control. The building, which houses classrooms and administrative offices, suffered severe damage, particularly on the upper floors.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, no students or staff were present at the time of the incident as the school was closed for the summer vacation. The security guard on duty managed to escape unharmed. Police and fire officials confirmed that there were no casualties.
"The building was empty due to the holidays. The fire was intense, but our teams acted swiftly to prevent it from spreading to neighboring structures," said a senior fire officer.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Preliminary reports suggest a possible short circuit, but a detailed investigation has been ordered. The school management has been asked to cooperate with the authorities.
Local residents reported seeing thick smoke and flames rising from the building. "We heard loud noises and saw smoke. The fire brigade arrived quickly and did a good job," said a neighbor.
Damage Assessment
Fire officials estimated the damage to be in the range of several lakh rupees. The school building, which also had a small auditorium and a library, has been declared unsafe for now. Engineers will assess the structural stability before any repairs are undertaken.
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety measures in educational institutions. Authorities have urged schools to conduct regular fire drills and ensure that electrical systems are maintained properly.
This is the second major fire incident in Bengaluru this month, following a blaze at a commercial complex last week. No injuries were reported in that incident either.
