Fire at Morjim shop, loss worth Rs 10 lakh

MAPUSA: A fire broke out at a two-wheeler spare parts store at Agarwada, Morjim, at about 11am on Sunday, according to fire officials.
Fire officials said that the fire started at the first floor of a house belonging to Chandrakant Kothavale. Losses worth Rs 10 lakh were incurred, they informed.
Two fire tenders from Pernem and Mapusa were used to extinguish the fire. After two hours of efforts, firemen were able to douse the flames.
Locals said a huge blast was heard as the fire broke out. While the cause of fire is still under investigation, officials suspect that it may have started in the power invertor. Later, the fire spread to three rooms packed with spare vehicle parts, engine oil, among other items. Due to the impact of the fire, the roof crashed and cement walls were badly damaged, as well.
However, firefighters managed to curb the flames from spreading to the ground floor. Two family members were present in the house during the incident, who called for help after hearing the blast and witnessing smoke. Locals aided in firefighting operations.