A devastating fire broke out at the paid-parking area of the Thrissur railway station early Sunday morning, destroying approximately 500 two-wheelers. While no casualties were reported, the material loss is estimated to be significant.
According to fire and rescue officials, the blaze erupted around 6:20 AM. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by a spark from an overhead electric line falling onto a covered motorcycle. By the time emergency services received the distress call at 6:40 AM, the fire had spread rapidly through the shed.
Emergency Response and Damage
- Containment: Five fire tenders were deployed to the scene. The blaze was successfully brought under control by 7:45 AM.
- Infrastructure: The entire parking shed, constructed with tin sheets, was destroyed.
- Railway Assets: Although a locomotive was parked on a nearby track, railway officials have not confirmed any major damage to the engine or the station platforms.
- Additional Losses: The FIR filed by Thrissur West Police notes the destruction of a parking fee printing machine, two mobile phones, and ₹10,000 in cash belonging to the contractor, Aswathy Enterprises.
High-Level Investigation and Safety Audits
State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar and Revenue Minister K. Rajan visited the site to assess the situation. In response to the incident, the following measures have been announced:
- Special Investigation Team (SIT): A team led by an Additional Superintendent of Police has been constituted to probe the exact cause of the fire.
- State-wide Fire Audits: The Superintendent of Police (Railway) has been tasked with conducting fire safety audits at all paid parking facilities across Kerala.
- Enhanced Security: A joint security apparatus involving the local police, Railway Police, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) will be implemented to prevent future occurrences.