A significant fire erupted at a discotheque-cum-restaurant and bar located in Sector 26 of Chandigarh on Thursday evening, resulting in extensive damage to the interior. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as only a handful of staff members were present at the time of the incident.
Possible Cause Under Investigation
While the exact cause of the fire has yet to be officially confirmed, sources have indicated that a short circuit during ongoing electrical repair work may have triggered the blaze. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the precise origin of the fire.
Lack of Fire Safety Certificate Raises Concerns
Preliminary findings have revealed that the establishment allegedly did not possess a valid fire safety certificate, raising serious concerns regarding compliance with safety regulations. An official stated, "Furniture, electronic equipment, and décor were completely destroyed. Employees also claimed that cash and liquor stocks were lost. The damage appears extensive, though a detailed assessment is awaited."
Firefighting Operation
The fire call was received at approximately 4:30 PM, prompting the immediate dispatch of eight fire tenders to the scene. Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control within half an hour. However, dense smoke lingered, keeping teams engaged for over two-and-a-half hours. More than 50 fire personnel participated in the operation, with police also assisting at the scene.
Next Steps
A detailed report on the incident is expected to be released soon. In the meantime, authorities are urging all commercial establishments to ensure they have proper fire safety measures in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
