Nagpur: A massive fire that broke out at a refrigerator and home-appliance shop in the densely populated Lodhipura area near Gitanjali Square on Central Avenue on Sunday morning spread to two adjoining houses, triggering panic among residents as multiple explosions rocked the locality. The blasts were reportedly caused by compressors bursting amid the intense heat.
The blaze gutted refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines and other equipment at Al Kausar Refrigeration, causing estimated losses of Rs 35 lakh at the shop alone. The total damage to the shop and the two neighbouring houses was assessed at Rs 35.7 lakh. However, firefighters managed to salvage goods worth around Rs 5 lakh. No casualties or injuries were reported.
Flames spread through old structure
According to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) fire officials, the blaze erupted at around 8.47 am. A firefighting team from Ganeshpeth Fire Station reached the spot within four minutes and immediately launched an operation to contain the flames.
The situation became more challenging as the fire spread from the shop to the adjoining residential structures. Additional fire tenders were pressed into service, with four fire tenders and four water bowsers deployed to tackle the blaze and maintain an uninterrupted water supply.
Personnel from Ganeshpeth, Civil Lines, Lakadganj, Wathoda, Sakkardara and Sugat Nagar fire stations joined the operation. The coordinated effort continued for several hours before the flames were brought under control.
A fire tender remained at the scene as a precaution against any fresh outbreak and returned to the station at 3.50 pm.
Tin sheets, wood fuelled rapid spread
A senior firefighter said the shop was housed in an old structure comprising tin sheets, wooden components and brick walls, conditions that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The shop reportedly had no firefighting arrangements, adding to the challenges faced by the emergency teams once the blaze intensified.
The compressors of refrigerators and air-conditioners reportedly burst during the fire, producing loud explosions that alarmed people in the congested neighbourhood. The explosions also heightened fears among residents as flames engulfed the premises and threatened nearby houses.
The shop is owned by three brothers, Mohammad Ashfaq, Mohammad Atik and Abdul Latif Ansari.
Two neighbouring houses also damaged
The fire caused damage beyond the commercial premises, affecting two adjacent houses.
According to the preliminary assessment, the house belonging to Ramesh Bhawla suffered losses estimated at Rs 50,000, while the damage to the house owned by Manoj Shrivas was assessed at Rs 20,000.
The overall estimated loss of Rs 35.7 lakh includes approximately Rs 35 lakh worth of goods destroyed at the refrigeration shop and the damage to the two houses. Firefighters rescued goods valued at around Rs 5 lakh during the operation.
Senior fire officials visit spot
Chief Fire Officer Tushar Barahate, Ganeshpeth Fire Station in-charge Vilas Tilgule and other senior officials visited the site to supervise and assess the firefighting operation. Personnel worked under the supervision of Tilgule and Lead Fireman Bijwe to bring the situation under control.
Ganeshpeth Police have registered the incident, while the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigations are expected to establish what triggered the blaze and whether any safety-related lapses contributed to the extent of the damage.
The incident has once again drawn attention to fire risks in congested localities, where closely packed commercial establishments and residential structures can allow a blaze to spread rapidly from one property to another.
