Fire at mattress manufacturing unit in Kanjikode

Palakkad: A major fire broke out at a mattress manufacturing factory in Kanjikode on Thursday afternoon, causing heavy damage to goods stored inside the unit.The fire occurred around 3pm at the factory functioning at Koyyamarakkad in Kanjikode. Cotton and sponge materials kept for mattress production were destroyed in the blaze, factory owner Ashokan said. Fire and rescue personnel said preliminary assessment indicated that sparks from welding work being carried out on the upper floor may have caused the fire. Several workers were present inside the factory when the fire broke out. However, they were evacuated in time, avoiding a major accident, fire force personnel said. The fire was brought under control after nearly two hours. The rescue operation was led by Kanjikode fire station officer T R Rakesh along with personnel from the department.