10 autorickshaws, furniture workshop gutted in fire accident in Vellore

Ten autorickshaws, two two-wheelers in a vehicle parking lot and adjoining furniture workshop gutted at Kagithapattarai that comes under Vellore Corporation limits near Collectorate office, off Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH 48), after fire broke out in the parking lot in the early hours on Friday, resulting in thick smoke in the area.

Police said that it was around 2 a.m when residents noticed thick smoke coming from the parking lot. Immediately, they alerted parking lot owner S. Ravi, and Vellore North police. Despite their efforts to douse off the flames, the fire spread to the entire parking lot, which is around 1,800 sq.ft, and adjoining the furniture workshop.  

Based on alert, a 10-member fire fighters team from Vellore town and Katpadi rushed to the spot. Before firefighters could reach the spot, fire spread to the entire parking lot. After more than two hours of hard labour, fire fighters doused it.

However, a group of autorickshaws and two-wheelers got completely gutted. Tonnes of furniture goods including teakwood logs that is estimated around Rs 50 lakh were destroyed in the accident. 

Residents complained of severe eye irritation especially among children and senior citizens due to smoke from the unit. A case was registered by Vellore North police. Police said that the actual cause of the accident is being ascertained. A probe is underway.