Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (NR)

Bangalore, Jul 27:   A major fire broke out in the Annexe building of ‘The Public Utility Building’ (PUB) on M G Road here, on Thursday, 26 July morning. The PUB Annexe building has a two-floor commercial complex and has 31 stores on its first floor. Fortunately there were no casualties. However, two stores were gutted and the damage is said to be extensive.
 
The PUB attracts thousands of people namely businessmen, shoppers, shop employees and moviegoers. While the cause of the fire is not yet known, BBMP states that at the time of the incident, there was no power supply. The blaze was huge and could not be contained for some time as the fire hydrants were not properly functioning. 
 
As per early reports, the fire started out in one of the stores namely ‘Kanchan Men’s Wear’ at around 11.45 am. And it is suspected that a short circuit could have caused the fire. When the flames of fire started billowing out of the windows, the entire building was in turmoil. Most of the people were evacuated from the Annexe building, once the fire- alarm was sounded. It is understood that several people panicked, fearing an explosion as the generators were on.
 
Around 15 fire engines and one rescue van empanelled with 120 fire personnel were pressed into service and they worked non-stop for three hours to control the fire. According to informed police sources the fire was finally extinguished by 3 pm and Bescom was asked to come and assess the situation. It will try and find out the exact cause of the fire which is expected to take over a week’s time. They suspect an AC might have caused a short circuit, triggering the fire.

Further according to the fire force officials, since the fire was huge, there were possibilities that the building was in danger, as radiant heat  causes cracks in walls and the roof, thereby weakening the building. An inquiry would also be initiated into the incident, they added.