Fire at ICF godown in city destroys goods worth crores

Chennai

The fire started around 3 am at the godown on New Avadi Road where electrical components to be fitted in the train carriages were kept. On information, 10 fire tenders from ICF, Villivakkam, Anna Nagar, Sembium and Egmore fire stations rushed to the spot around 3.45 am. Later, Metro Water tankers were also pressed into service, as fire engulfed the entire godown that is spread over 5,000 sq ft. Official sources said earthmovers were deployed to make way into the godown so that the personnel could reach spots where the fire continued to burn. DGP C Sylendra Babu, head of the Tamil Nadu and Rescue Services, came to the spot around 5.30 am to monitor and guide the efforts. Personnel from the city police were also deployed at the spot After struggling for nearly eight hours, the fire was doused around 11 am. After smoke engulfed the neighbourhood, local residents complained of irritation in eyes. Though the exact cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained, the police suspected that it could have been triggered by a short circuit. Railway officials visited the spot and conducted inquiries with the staff on night duty. The ICF police have registered a case about the incident.