Udupi: A fire triggered by an electrical short circuit broke out at the Bhageerathi Oil Mill near Kokkarne bus stand in Brahmavar taluk on Friday evening, resulting in extensive damage to the facility. The incident caused panic among workers and residents in the vicinity as flames rapidly spread through the storage area of the mill.
Blaze engulfs coconut oil and copra stocks
According to initial reports, the fire erupted inside the factory where coconut oil and copra were stored in large quantities. The presence of highly flammable materials allowed the blaze to intensify quickly, engulfing a major portion of the mill before emergency responders could intervene.
Thick smoke billowed from the unit, visible from nearby residential areas and the main road. Some locals rushed to alert authorities while others attempted to contain the fire with available resources until fire crews arrived.
Firefighters act swiftly to control flames
Fire and Emergency Services personnel from Udupi responded promptly after receiving the alert. Multiple fire tenders were deployed to the spot, and firefighters worked for several hours to bring the flames under control. Their timely action prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings and commercial units located close to the mill.
Officials at the site said that the fire was fully extinguished after intensive efforts, which included cooling operations to prevent re-ignition. A detailed assessment of the structural damage and loss of stock is expected to be carried out soon.
No casualties reported
Fortunately, no workers or residents were injured in the incident. Most workers had vacated the premises as soon as the fire began spreading. Authorities credited the quick evacuation and efficient response by firefighters for the absence of casualties.
Mill suffers heavy loss
While the exact monetary loss is yet to be assessed, preliminary observations indicate that a major portion of the oil mill has been gutted, including storage areas and processing units. The destruction of large quantities of raw materials and finished goods is expected to result in significant financial damage to the business.
Local officials confirmed that an investigation will be undertaken to verify the cause of the electrical malfunction and to evaluate whether safety guidelines were adequately followed.
Conclusion
The fire at Bhageerathi Oil Mill highlights the recurring risks posed by electrical short circuits in industrial units, especially those handling flammable materials. With no casualties and the flames brought under control swiftly, authorities have stressed the importance of regular electrical inspections and safety preparedness to prevent such incidents in the future.