Commercial complex in Anantapur gutted

ANANTAPUR: A three-storied commercial complex at Uma Nagar in the heart of Anantapur got reduced to ashes after a fire broke out within its premises during the wee hours of Sunday.

It is suspected that the fire could have started due to a short circuit in an automobile shop in the complex.

Several fire crews rushed to the spot. They fought the fire for six hours before all the flames could be put out. Severity of the fire increased after a gas cylinder in the kitchen of a hotel in the complex exploded. Fire crews pulled out five other cylinders safely. More than 40 fire personnel struggled and finally put out the fire around 10 a.m.

No casualties have been reported as the mishap took place around 4 a.m.

Patients admitted in a hospital near the complex were asked to vacate it as a precautionary measure. Some shop owners also pulled out the stocks in their establishments.

Anantapur MLA Ananta Venkatrami Reddy rushed to the spot on coming to know about the fire. Authorities are assessing the loss caused due to the mishap.