Mangalore: Massive Fire Engulfs Shops at Ullal, Loss Estimated at Rs 50 Lac

Prakash Samaga
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Nov 12: A major fire broke out at two shops located in the area of Ullal bus stand, Chota Mangalore in Ullal here in the wee hours of Saturday November 12. An estimated loss of Rs 50 lac has been reported.

Bhagavati hardware shop belonging to Harish, and Janardhana general store of his relative Pavish, were engulfed in huge flames for hours together.

The fire broke out at around 2 am, but even by 5 am, the fire fighters were unable to douse the flames. As many as five fire engines have been pressed into action so far, with the fourth one arriving at 4 am and the fifth at around 4.45 am.

Initially, two fire engines reached the spot and a third was called into action when the water in the first two got over. But it was only when water from the fourth fire engine one was sprayed into the insides of the shops, by climbing into adjacent buildings, that the fire was brought under some control.

The five fire engines have already made 11 trips. A pond located near Ullal dargah is being used to refill water in the engines. About 30 fire fighters are in action.

At 2 am, Praveen, a neighbour, saw some smoke emanating near the area but thinking it to be early morning fog, did not suspect anything and went back to sleep. It was only when a passerby saw flames rising from the two shops that the Ullal police were alerted who in turn called the fire department. The fire fighters reached the spot immediately, and saw that a nearby electrical pole also had caught fire. Ullal police informed Mescom, and power supply in the area was cut off. Also, residents in the vicinity were evacuated from their houses to avoid further danger.

Kadri and Pandeshwar fire deparment personnel were at the spot.

Both shops are said to be over 100 years old, and a faulty electrical wiring is suspected to be the cause for the fire.

The top floor of the two shops has been completely ruined while the lower one is partially charred.

The entire area was covered in thick smoke, and a large number of people gathered at the spot.