Table of Contents
Kochi: In the early hours of Sunday, a massive fire broke out at a private scrap godown near the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, sparking panic among residents and commuters in the area. Though the blaze caused significant damage, no casualties were reported, officials confirmed.
The fire, which erupted around 1 am at a godown near the Ernakulam South Railway Overbridge, raged on for nearly five hours before firefighters managed to bring it under control. The situation was intensified by the explosion of LPG cylinders stored inside the premises, adding to the challenges faced by the fire and rescue teams.
In a commendable effort, the fire and rescue personnel saved nine migrant workers who were trapped inside the blazing godown. As a precaution, residents in nearby lodges and houses were evacuated to ensure their safety.
A senior fire official explained the rapid response, saying, "The city police team on night patrol alerted us, and multiple units were immediately deployed to the site. The situation is now fully under control."
Disruption in Train Services
The fire caused temporary disruptions to train services between Ernakulam South Railway Station and Alappuzha. Services were suspended for about two hours but resumed once the situation stabilised.
Investigation Underway
Kochi City police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, another fire incident was reported at the parking area of an apartment building near Kochi International Airport, where a car and four motorcycles were destroyed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident either.
Relief Amid Chaos
Though the night was marked by chaos and fear, the quick actions of firefighters and police ensured that lives were saved, and the situation was brought under control. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by unsafe storage practices and the critical importance of fire safety measures.
Inputs from PTI