Firefighters battle out the blaze, a day after the fire broke out

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of May 31, kept the TN Fire and Rescue Services team busy, as 450 firefighters were on the ground, battling the blaze. Reinforcements were called in from various departments, including Chennai Metro Water, Chennai Metro Rail, Greater Chennai Corporation, Police and Revenue Department.

Since the seven-storey building was rendered inaccessible due to the fire, which quickly spread to the top floor, sky lifts were used to hose down the structure. Around 3.30 am on June 1, the floors of the building collapsed as the fire had weakened the pillars. 

Health Minister C Vijayabaskar had inspected the site on the morning of June 1. "Medical teams have been set up here and a team of 10 doctors from Madras Medical College will be here," he said. The watchmen and other employees of the nearby retail outlets underwent a health checkup. 

The engineering team has inspected the building the morning, as officials debate the demolition of the structure. Revenue Minister Udayakumar said, "If there is the probability of a demolition, it will be carried out without affecting the public."