Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru Jan 24: A sudden fire broke out at Akbar Complex in Hampankatta here on Saturday evening, causing extensive damage to several shops located on the basement floor of the building and resulting in losses running into lakhs of rupees.
The fire reportedly originated in an underground electronics shop and soon spread to a nearby clothing store, gutting the establishments completely. Goods and materials stored inside the shops were reduced to ashes, sources said.
Thick smoke enveloped the surrounding area following the blaze, causing inconvenience to occupants of a neighbouring lodge, it is learnt.
Police and personnel from the fire and emergency services rushed to the spot and firefighting operations were underway. While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, a short circuit is suspected to have triggered the incident.