Textile showroom gutted in Kozhikode

Kozhikode: A major fire broke out at a textile showroom at Palayam in Kozhikode on Tuesday evening causing extensive damages. The fire started at the rear side of the third floor of Jayalakshmi Silks situated on Annie Hall Road around 6pm and quickly spread to the upper floor. No casualties were reported though two staff members were hospitalised after experiencing discomfort following smoke inhalation. As the flames intensified, interior panels burned and collapsed, while glass panes shattered with loud explosions.A major tragedy was averted as staff and customers were evacuated as soon as smoke was noticed. Fire and rescue services personnel had to work for over three hours to bring the blaze under control by 9.15pm. Several fire tenders from various parts of the district and a fire tender from the Calicut International Airport were deployed. By 7.30pm, firefighters managed to bring the external flames under control and were able to access the third floor via a staircase, bringing relief.The fire was controlled by spraying water simultaneously from three vehicles. Power supply to the area was cut off to prevent further danger and parked vehicles were removed. A fire had broken out in the building in April 2023, damaging a few vehicles parked on the compound.