Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 23: Earlier today around noon a fire had broken out at the head office of Mangalore Catholic Co-operative (MCC) Bank in Hampankatta. MCC Bank chairman, Anil Lobo also detailed the incident via a Facebook post.
Addressing the vice-chairman, Board of Directors, colleagues, customers and shareholders, Anil Lobo wrote, "As you are aware, there was an electric stabilizer/wiring related fire disaster, inside the corner part of Hampankatta branch around @ 12 noon. There was no actual fire, but the burning of electrical devices caused thick black smoke which engulfed the entire Hampankatta branch."
"I was present in HO at that time, and, along with our colleagues swung into action. The fire department responded immediately with 5 fire tenders. All staff were safely evacuated without any injury. Few customers who were present at the branch has been immediately vacated. All the documents, cash, jewellery, servers, computers and furniture are safe, as there was no fire. Our computer system too was not affected," the post read.
He further wrote, "The fire servicemen had to break the glasses of the windows and front facade in order to flush out the thick black smoke. The fire service has pumped in a lot of water inside the branch premises as a precautionary measure. They were suspecting some staff/customers might have been locked inside, as nothing was visible from outside. This might have caused some damage to the furniture at the branch. Besides, the electric system has to be thoroughly checked and may require replacement or repairs."
"We are already back in the HO and some of the systems are installed back online. The Hampankatta branch may require a few days for refurbishing and repairs. Meanwhile, the branch will be made operational on the next working day."
"I thank the Almighty for keeping all of us safe especially our staff and our customers and also protecting our documents, computers systems and property. I thank all Hampankatta and HO staff for their calm and brave response during the fire disaster," Lobo stated.
"Let's learn from this incident and tighten up the safety measures in our bank/our branches."
Towards the end of the post, thanking the stakeholders, Anil Lobo said, "Thanks to all our directors, shareholders and well-wishers who have stood by us and supported us during this disaster."
Expressing gratitude to emergency services, Anil Lobo wrote, "A big thank you to the fire department and all the government agencies who helped us during this disaster."