Coimbatore: A major fire broke out in a footwear showroom on Oppanakara Street on Tuesday night, damaging goods worth several lakhs. No one was injured in the incident, as showroom staff and customers ran out of the building as soon as the building caught fire.
Though firefighters brought the flames under control after three hours of struggling, thick black smoke continued to engulf the whole area.
The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, but officials said it could be due to short circuit. According to fire and rescue services personnel, the fire was reported around 8.30pm. “Immediately, showroom staff alerted us. By the time fire tenders reached the spot, thick dark smoke had engulfed the entire street.”
The busy commercial street was cordoned off and people in the nearby buildings were vacated. Three fire tenders from Coimbatore south fire station and one from Kavundampalayam were then pressed into service to control the fire.
“The extent of damage is yet to be estimated,” said fire service personnel.
