Bengaluru complex fire: Over 20 shops gutted in major blaze at Chickpet

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Over 20 shops were gutted in a massive fire that broke out in a three-storey commercial building in Chickpet on Wednesday morning.

The blaze reportedly began around 6.30 am in Kumbarpet, off Avenue Road, and quickly spread through the narrow structure, according to the Deccan Herald. Since most shops were closed at the time, a major tragedy was averted. Police estimated the loss at around Rs 2.5 crore.

“The fire broke out in the hardware godown which is on the ground floor. The godown is said to be owned by Ravi Enterprises who took the premises for rent just a fortnight back,” an officer was quoted by the New Indian Express.

Fire officials suspect the flames originated in a fancy store on the first floor and spread rapidly due to the presence of highly inflammable materials such as perfumes and plastic goods stored in bulk, said the report. Poor ventilation in the building further fuelled the fire. The affected shops dealt in fancy items, toys, perfumes, printing materials and hardware.

A worker sustained minor burns while attempting to douse the flames and was discharged after first aid. Workers and nearby occupants were evacuated as a precaution.