A fire that broke out in a leather goods showroom at Anna Road in Vellore on Monday. It destroyed garments and a range of leather goods in that complex.

However, no one was injured in the accident. The police suspect the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit.

The police said the flames broke out around 10.30 p.m. on the ground floor of the leather goods showroom and spread rapidly to all three floors within a few minutes with gusty wind lashing the entire area. The fire did not spare the textile godown on the first floor.

Senior Police officials including Superintendent of Police K. Pravesh Kumar supervised the operations and sought help from the Katpadi fire brigade.

Fire tenders from Vellore and Katpadi and nearly 100 personnel rushed to spot to help in the effort.

Power shutdown

The Fire and Rescue Services personnel doused the flame after a five-hour-long battle. To help combat the fire, the police asked the Electricity Board to cut the power.

Garments, consumer goods and other materials worth several lakhs were gutted, according to a complaint received by the police.

An assessment of loss is being made by the shop owners, police personnel from the Vellore South police station said.