Major fire engulfs automobile store on busy MG Road in Raipur

Raipur: A major fire broke out at an automobile spare parts establishment on Raipur’s busy MG Road on Thursday, sending thick plumes of smoke across the commercial hub and triggering a massive firefighting operation that continued for hours.The blaze erupted at a multi-storey building located in Moudhapara area. Fire officials said the flames quickly spread to the second and third floors, fuelled by a large stock of vehicle spare parts, tyres, tubes, plastic materials and lubricants stored inside the premises. The fire led to panic across the MG Road-Jaistambh Chowk commercial belt, with authorities barricading the area, diverting traffic and temporarily shutting nearby shops as a precaution against the flames spreading.Witnesses said smoke was first noticed emerging from the building in the morning, following which the fire rapidly intensified. While the exact cause is yet to be established, officials said a short circuit is suspected and the matter is under investigation.With access to the upper floors proving difficult due to the building’s narrow internal staircase, rescue teams used a machine to partially demolish the front portion of the structure to create an entry point for firefighters.At least 15 fire tenders, including units from Nava Raipur, were pressed into service. Firefighting efforts were further complicated by a disruption in the city’s water supply due to maintenance work at a filtration plant. Officials said water was also sourced from nearby ponds to sustain operations.Mouhadapara police said cops and fire personnel rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information. No casualties had been reported till the filing of this report.The extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.