Udupi: A tyre puncture repair shop was completely destroyed in a fire near the Hejamadi Toll Plaza on National Highway 66 in Udupi on Sunday afternoon, officials said.
The fire broke out on March 22 and is suspected to have been triggered by sparks from a nearby electric transformer. These sparks reportedly ignited dry grass in the vicinity, causing flames to spread rapidly towards the roadside shop.
Fire spreads rapidly
The shop, owned by Saifulla, a native of Bihar, was engulfed within minutes as the fire intensified.
According to local officials, the blaze caused extensive damage to property inside the shop. Equipment such as a compressor, generator, tool kits, and a large number of tyres stored at the premises were completely destroyed.
“The fire spread quickly, leaving little time to salvage any materials,” an official said.
Swift response prevents further damage
Local residents and personnel from the Padubidri Police Station were the first to respond to the incident. They attempted to control the flames using available water sources before the arrival of fire services.
Fire and emergency services teams from Udupi later reached the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control. Their timely intervention prevented the fire from spreading to nearby establishments and properties along the busy highway.
Loss estimated at ₹5 lakh
The total loss in the incident is estimated to be around ₹4 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the fire.
Safety concerns raised
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety near highways, especially in areas with dry vegetation and electrical installations. Locals have urged authorities to take preventive measures, including regular maintenance of transformers and clearing of dry grass to reduce fire risks.
Conclusion
While the swift response helped avert a larger disaster, the incident highlights the vulnerability of small roadside businesses to sudden fire hazards. Improved safety measures and awareness could help prevent similar incidents in the future.