A major fire engulfed a godown at Angamaly on Tuesday, causing significant damage and disrupting traffic along the national highway for several hours. The fire broke out at Babu’s Traders Wholesale Supermarket around 4 p.m. and was eventually brought under control around 6:30 p.m. The blaze reportedly started on the top floor of the godown before spreading rapidly, fueled by the presence of highly flammable materials such as plastics, perfumes, and decorative items.
The godown’s employees, numbering around 50, initially attempted to douse the flames with water jars, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The fire also destroyed computers and other office equipment. The proprietor of the firm sustained injuries while trying to put out the fire and was rushed to a private hospital in Angamaly.
Traffic along the national highway was restricted as a safety precaution, causing disruptions in the area. The cause of the fire remains unknown. A total of 10 fire tenders from Fire and Rescue units in Angamaly, Chalakkudy, Perumbavur, Mala, Aluva, Eloor, and Kochi Airport were deployed to contain the blaze.
However, the narrow road on one side of the godown and a fruit wholesale shop on the other side posed challenges for the fire tenders. Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John, Aluva DySP Baiju Paulose, and Angamaly municipal chairperson Reetha Paul coordinated the rescue operations.
