Thrissur fire: Railways initiate fact-finding inquiry, refute allegations of unauthorised construction

The Railways have initiated a joint departmental fact-finding inquiry into the fire that broke out at the two-wheeler parking area near the second entry of Thrissur railway station on January 4. The Southern Railway, in a press release, firmly rejected allegations that the parking shed was unauthorised or that the blaze originated from railway electrical equipment.

According to Southern Railway, the fire was reported around 6.30 am at the parking area on the west side of the station. On-duty Railway Protection Force personnel, along with Government Railway Police staff present at Platform No 1, immediately alerted the station master and rushed to the spot.

Initial firefighting efforts were carried out using fire extinguishers available at the station and the parking facility. The Fire Force, Thrissur, reached the location by 6.45 am, and the fire was fully brought under control by 7.15 am. No casualties or injuries were reported.

Based on eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings, the Railways clarified that the fire did not originate from overhead equipment or any railway electrical installation. Officials said the blaze started from one of the parked two-wheelers. An eyewitness and parking staff attempted to douse the fire at an early stage, but it spread rapidly before RPF personnel could contain it.

Around 250 two-wheelers were fully or partially damaged in the incident. Officials also noted minor external flame impact on a departmental tower wagon stationed in the yard, which was promptly attended to and moved to safety.

The entire parking area was under CCTV surveillance, but the control unit and hard disk were damaged in the fire. These have been handed over to Thrissur West police for forensic examination. A case has been registered by the local police, and investigation is under way alongside the railway inquiry.

Responding to media reports alleging lack of permission for the construction of the temporary parking shed, the Railways said that under the Indian Railways Act and the Government Buildings Act, no approval from the municipal corporation or any local body is required for construction within railway premises. No notice or communication has been received from the Thrissur Corporation regarding the structure, nor has there been any dispute so far, the release said.

The Railways strongly refuted what it described as misinformation linking the fire to overhead equipment or suggesting the absence of statutory permissions. It further stated that the incident was handled swiftly in coordination with the Fire Force, police and civil authorities to prevent loss of life and minimise damage.

To assist affected passengers, the parking agency has set up a help desk and assistance centre at the parking area to coordinate with vehicle owners and support insurance and claim-related procedures. A helpline number has also been issued, Southern Railway said.