Kannur: Around 50 shops were completely destroyed in the massive fire that broke out at KV Complex in Taliparamba here on Thursday. District Collector Arun Vijayan, who reached the spot, told the media that the blaze was brought under control after a three-hour-long operation. According to the Collector, 15 fire engines were deployed to contain the fire.

 “As per the preliminary assessment, around 50 shops were destroyed in the fire. The extent of the damage will be determined after a detailed inspection. The Electrical Inspector has been directed to conduct an inquiry,” he said.

He added that a decision regarding compensation would be taken after the investigation into the cause of the fire. Officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of the blaze.

Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit from an air conditioner may have triggered the fire, though some people argued that it started due to a spark from a nearby transformer.

Responding to public allegations of delay in firefighting efforts, the Collector maintained that fire and rescue units had reached the spot promptly and took swift action.

Though the officials claimed that the fire was brought under control by 9 pm, smoke was still billowing from the first floor of the three-storey building, reported Manorama News.

The fire, which erupted around 5.30 pm at a toy shop in the three-storey complex located in the heart of Taliparamba town, quickly spread to nearby outlets. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as all employees and customers were safely evacuated.

Witnesses said they heard loud explosions as gas cylinders and air conditioners burst into flames. Several shop owners broke down in tears as their shops were gutted.

Many alleged that neither the police nor district authorities acted swiftly, and that the first two fire units ran out of water while trying to douse the blaze.