Beltangady: A grocery shop was completely gutted after a fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, broke out at Bendrala in Thotathady village under the Charmady gram panchayat limits late on Wednesday night.

The shop, owned by Bendrala resident Shareef, suddenly caught fire during the late-night hours. The flames rapidly spread through the shop and the building, leaving little time to salvage the goods stored inside.

Locals rush to contain blaze

After noticing the fire, local residents rushed to the spot and immediately joined efforts to control the flames. Their timely intervention helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties and causing further damage.

Residents worked together to douse the blaze and contain the situation until the danger of the flames spreading was brought under control.

Despite their efforts, the fire caused extensive damage to the grocery shop. All the grocery items stocked on the premises were destroyed in the incident.

The building housing the shop was also severely damaged in the fire. Around Rs 1 lakh in cash kept at the shop was reportedly destroyed.

Loss estimated at over Rs 5 lakh

The overall loss caused by the fire is estimated to be more than Rs 5 lakh. The damage includes the grocery stock, the shop building and cash.

The incident has caused a major financial setback for the shop owner, as the entire stock and the premises were destroyed in the blaze.

The extent of the damage became clear after the fire was brought under control and the premises were inspected.

Short circuit suspected

A short circuit is suspected to have triggered the fire, although the exact cause is yet to be conclusively established.

Following information about the incident, gram panchayat officials visited the spot and inspected the premises. The circumstances surrounding the fire are being examined, and further investigation is under way.

Officials are expected to assess the damage and determine the precise cause of the incident.

The fire has once again highlighted the importance of ensuring that electrical wiring and other electrical installations in commercial establishments are regularly inspected and maintained, particularly in shops where combustible materials and large quantities of goods are stored.

No further spread of the fire was reported after local residents intervened promptly.