Fire at scrap godown, viral video falsely claims fighter plane crash

Nagpur: A major fire broke out at a scrap godown adjoining an open plot near Velahari on Outer Ring Road on Tuesday, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering panic in surrounding areas. The situation was further complicated after a viral video falsely claimed that the blaze was caused by a fighter plane crash, creating confusion among residents and prompting police to rush to the spot.According to officials from Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) fire dept, a call about the blaze was received at 11.06 am. Within 6 minutes, a fire tender from Besa Nagar Panchayat reached the site and began firefighting operations."The fire was spreading rapidly as the premises contained large quantities of wires, plastic and other scrap. Considering the intensity of the blaze, additional vehicles were called in," said a firefighter Ashok Ghavghave.Two water bowsers from Trimurti Nagar and Sakkardara fire stations were pressed into service, along with two fire tenders from MIDC. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly two-and-a-half hours before bringing the situation under control. Officials said the operation took time as the scrap was spread across an open area of nearly one acre.The video spread rapidly on messaging platforms, causing panic among citizens. However, after inspecting the area, both police and fire dept officials confirmed that no aircraft crash took place and that the fire was confined to the scrap godown.