Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Kannur, Oct 9 (IANS) A major fire broke out at a prominent commercial complex in Kannur’s Thaliparamba on Wednesday evening, destroying over 50 establishments and causing losses estimated at several crores of rupees.
No injuries were reported, although there was extensive damage to property, officials said.
The fire, which broke out around 4:55 pm, was brought under control after more than three and a half hours of effort.
The fire reportedly broke out at a toy shop named “Mitrades” located in KV Complex, close to the Municipal Bus Stand on the National Highway.
Within minutes, the flames spread to nearby shops including clothing stores, mobile outlets and a supermarket.
KV Complex is one of the busiest commercial centers of Thaliparamba, housing many shops, offices and jewelery shops.
Local residents alleged delayed response from the fire force and claimed that the first unit took more than 30 minutes to reach the spot.
By then the fire had spread to a large part of the complex.
Twelve fire units from Kannur, Payyannur, Thalassery, Koothuparamba, Mattanur, Iritty and neighboring districts were eventually deployed to control the fire.
More than 30 shops, including the two-storey Shalimar Supermarket, were completely gutted.
Gas cylinders exploded inside some shops, which hastened the spread of the fire.
Firefighters struggled to prevent the fire from reaching the upper floor of Jayfashion Jewellery, a major local outlet.
Due to the extreme heat, the windows of the buildings across the road were broken.
Traffic was stopped on the national highway and later diverted via Pazhayangadi.
Fire officials suspect that a short circuit caused the fire. The incident has raised serious questions over emergency preparedness and fire safety measures in the city’s commercial centres. Investigation is going on.
–IANS
sg/and