A massive fire broke out once again late Tuesday night at Lallu Ji & Sons' tent warehouse in Keedganj, Prayagraj.
Seeing the flames and smoke, people in the vicinity were startled. Police and fire brigades immediately reached the scene and brought the fire under control after about an hour and a half of effort.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire might have been caused by a short circuit. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed.
This warehouse was located near Shastri Bridge, on Kali Road (Parade Ground, Sangam area).
The warehouse was a temporary storage facility for "Lalluji & Sons" company, where goods from after the Mahakumbh Mela were stored.
How the Fire Spread / Estimated Causes
One news report stated that a small cylinder exploded while laborers were cooking on it, and this is a probable cause for the fire. However, other reports primarily estimate a short circuit as the cause. No definitive conclusion has been reached yet, and a full investigation into the fire is ongoing.
Material and Damages
According to reports, approximately 5 lakh bamboo poles, tent curtains, quilts, mattresses, and other materials were burnt to ashes.
Another report suggested that the damage could be approximately 10 lakh rupees.
Three vehicles (scooters / others) were also destroyed in the fire.
At least 20 employees inside the warehouse were safely evacuated.
During the firefighting operation, five to six people, including the chief fire officer, sustained minor burns.
A total of 18 fire tenders (some of which were military vehicles) were dispatched to the scene.
