A major fire broke out at a scrap warehouse in Akshayanagar, Begur area of Bengaluru on Sunday, sending thick plumes of black smoke across nearby streets and triggering panic among residents.
The blaze, which originated in a godown storing discarded plastic and scrap materials, rapidly intensified. Locals rushed out of their homes and alerted emergency services, while reports suggest a possible accidental origin, such as a gas cylinder leak, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
Swift response contained the blaze
Bengaluru’s emergency services responded quickly, dispatching three fire tenders to the scene. Fire crews launched a full-scale operation, bringing the fire under control within hours. Police personnel from Begur station managed the crowd and redirected traffic, while residents in the immediate vicinity were advised to temporarily vacate their homes, particularly those experiencing respiratory discomfort.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, though the warehouse suffered extensive damage. Authorities confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Safety concerns in unregulated scrap facilities
The incident has renewed concerns about safety compliance in unregulated scrap storage facilities across Bengaluru, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods storing flammable materials. Residents shared dramatic visuals and videos of the fire on social media, capturing explosions and thick black smoke as the blaze intensified.
One resident wrote on social media platform X:
“Fire in Bengaluru about an hour ago close to Nice road….Fire seems to be in control now after fire control authorities intervened.”
Authorities have urged all warehouse owners in the city to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future. Further updates are expected once the fire department and police complete their inquiry.