Thrissur: A massive fire broke out at the Thrissur Railway Station on Sunday morning, leaving more than 500 motorbikes gutted. The fire erupted in the two-wheeler parking area near the rear entrance of the station, destroying several motorcycles. According to preliminary information, over 600 bikes were parked in the area.

The incident occurred near the station’s second gate around 6.15 am. Reports indicate that the fire initially broke out on two motorcycles and then rapidly spread. The ticket counter at the second gate was completely gutted in the blaze. A parked inspection vehicle was also destroyed, though a major accident was averted as it was promptly moved away from the fire. The flames also spread to a nearby tree.

Fire and rescue units from Thrissur, Ollur, and nearby areas rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control.

Revenue Minister K Rajan said an investigation has been launched to identify the source of the fire.

“I have asked the Thrissur City Police Commissioner to submit a report regarding the incident immediately. A forensic team will also be deployed to conduct a detailed examination,” he added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Suresh Gopi contacted senior railway officials and sought an immediate explanation. He has demanded an inquiry at the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) level and urged railway authorities to treat the incident with utmost seriousness. 

Although the fire is now under control, the parking shed has been completely destroyed. The tin-sheet-roofed structure collapsed under the intense heat of the flames. A major disaster was avoided as no passenger trains arrived at the station when the flames engulfed the parking spot close to the platform.

Railway officials rubbished reports that the fire had spread to a train engine.