Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (RD/MB)

Karkala, Oct 19: A restaurant located close to taluk panchayat (TP) office here was gutted in the lightning when it rained heavily earlier this week.

‘Top in Town Restaurant’ got totally gutted in the lightning hit. The loss is estimated at Rs 3.50 lac. 

The restaurant owner, after closing the day’s business on Tuesday, had locked and gone home late in the night. The damage came to light only early next morning when an employee arrived at the spot.

The exact time during the night when the lightning struck could not be ascertained. Early next morning, when the employees alerted the locals, but no one dared to go near since smoke was being emitted from the doors and windows.

The compressor of the refrigerator inside reportedly got blown up due to an electrical short circuit caused by the lightning. 

Two refrigerators, one air cooler, 2 mixers and grinders, electric stoves, gas stoves, tape recorder, utensils including furniture and fixtures were charred in the mishap.

Fire brigade was called in. Fortunately, a major tragedy was averted since there were only empty cylinders in the premises.

Restaurant-owner Benedicta Thomas Mascarenhas has filed a case at the town police station in this regard.