Mangaluru: Two unrelated fire mishaps triggered by electrical short circuits created panic in Ullal on Sunday, June 15. The incidents took place at a private women’s hostel in Deralakatte and the Gausiya Mosque in Montugoli.
The first blaze erupted around 7:45 pm on the ground level of a five-floor building owned by Venugopal Shetty, located near Deralakatte junction. The fire is believed to have stemmed from a faulty switchboard. Alert residents promptly responded, using extinguishers obtained from a nearby fuel station to curb the flames before they spread further.
All 140 female students accommodated on the upper floors were swiftly moved to alternate hostels by the management. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the delayed arrival of the fire brigade sparked dissatisfaction among locals.
Tahsildar Puttaraju confirmed that although the electrical panels were completely charred, there was no harm to any individual. Personnel from Konaje police and the fire department handled the situation.
In a separate event, a blaze broke out at the Gausiya Mosque near Montugoli due to a short circuit in an AC unit. The fire rapidly scorched the interior, damaging portions of the wall and furnishings. Quick efforts by the mosque committee helped bring the fire under control before it escalated.
Officials, including Konaje police and the tahsildar, inspected the site shortly after the incident.
Both cases highlight the need for improved electrical safety measures in public and residential buildings.
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