TIRUPATI: A massive fire broke out on Friday in a three-story building near Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati.
The incident took place around 12:30 p.m. The fire started at the ground floor of Lavanya's Pictures and Frames Store. The flames spread quickly to the upper floors, resulting in a massive blaze and smoke, which could be seen from various parts of the city.
Fire authorities led by district fire officer (DFO) J. Ramanaiah arrived on the scene and started the fire-fighting operations. As the fire intensified rapidly, they sought assistance from Srikalahasti, Puttur, Renigunta and Tirumala fire stations. Seven fire tenders and a Bronto Sky lift combated the raging inferno for 6.5 hours and brought it under control.
Assistant DFO N. Kiran Kumar Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that as per preliminary investigations, the fire started due to a short circuit on the ground floor. As the store had been full of frames and pictures, fire spread quickly. No casualties or injuries have been reported. The damage has been assessed to be between ₹20 crore to ₹25 crore
The fire caused panic among devotees visiting the nearby temple. Authorities temporarily halted traffic on the four mada streets surrounding the temple. Authorities moved the temple chariot to a safe place. However, nearby shops suffered partial damage. Four two-wheelers were completely destroyed by the fire.
City MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, who arrived at the scene, emphasised that the temple chariot is unscathed and the fire has been completely extinguished. He expressed disappointment that TD has spread false rumours that the chariot has been damaged.
TTD executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy visited the accident site. He reaffirmed that the chariot had been relocated to a safe distance before the fire escalated.
The EO requested people not to believe rumours circulating on social media regarding the fire.
