A major fire broke out at a warehouse in Bengaluru's Nandini Layout early on Tuesday, gutting eight buildings and forcing the evacuation of around 50 women from a nearby paying guest (PG) accommodation. The blaze, which started around 3:30 am, spread rapidly due to the presence of inflammable materials stored in the warehouse.
Fire Spread and Evacuation
The fire quickly engulfed the warehouse and spread to adjacent structures, including residential buildings and shops. Firefighters from multiple stations rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control after several hours. Around 50 women residing in a PG accommodation adjacent to the warehouse were evacuated safely. No casualties have been reported so far.
Cause Under Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire. However, officials have not confirmed the exact cause and said further investigation is underway. The warehouse, which stored plastic items, furniture, and other goods, was completely destroyed.
Damage Assessment
Eight buildings, including the warehouse, two residential structures, and several shops, were gutted in the fire. The total extent of the damage is yet to be assessed. Local residents reported hearing loud explosions as the fire spread, causing panic in the area.
Response and Rescue Operations
The Bengaluru Fire and Emergency Services deployed 12 fire tenders to douse the flames. Firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residential areas. The police have cordoned off the area, and traffic on surrounding roads has been diverted.
Community Support
Local residents and volunteers assisted in the evacuation efforts, helping women from the PG accommodation to safety. The affected families have been provided temporary shelter in a nearby community hall. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced compensation for those who lost their properties.
Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety measures in the area. Residents have called for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms, especially in warehouses and commercial establishments located in residential zones. Officials have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.
