Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 27: A fire broke out on today afternoon at a Bed and Breakfast located near Dairy Farm Junction, sending panic among locals and tourists in the area. According to initial reports, the fire originated in one of the rooms on the upper floor, which was completely gutted, but no injuries or casualties were reported as all guests managed to escape safely.
Eyewitnesses said that thick smoke and flames were seen rising from the building shortly after the incident began. Firefighters from the Fire Service Department rushed to the spot upon receiving the call and managed to bring the blaze under control within a short time, preventing it from spreading to adjacent rooms and nearby buildings. The timely response by the fire personnel averted what could have been a much larger disaster.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire might have been caused by a short circuit in one of the electrical fittings inside the room.
Sources confirmed that only one guest was staying in the affected room at the time of the incident, and he escaped unharmed. However, the property suffered significant loss as all furniture and fittings in the burnt room were destroyed.
Residents and onlookers, along with local volunteers, assisted the firefighters in controlling the flames. Many appreciated the quick action of the Fire Department, which prevented the fire from spreading further, especially given the densely built surroundings.
Meanwhile, several locals expressed concern over the lack of fire safety standards and proper enforcement mechanisms in the islands. They pointed out that, due to the absence of a comprehensive Fire Safety Act and qualified technical officers, incidents like these continue to occur.
