Hundreds of two-wheelers gutted in fire at Thrissur railway station, probe launched

Thrissur (Kerala), Jan 4 (PTI) Hundreds of two-wheelers were gutted after a fire broke out at the parking area of the railway station here on Sunday, Fire and Rescue Service officials said.

The police FIR stated that around 500 two-wheelers were gutted, but Southern Railway, in its statement, said around 250 vehicles were damaged.

The blaze erupted at the paid-parking shed at around 6.20 am, and a distress call was received at about 6.40 am, the official added.

Initially, police and fire personnel suspected that a spark from an electric line that fell onto a two-wheeler parked with a cover on it was the cause of the fire.

However, the Railway, in its statement, claimed that the fire did not originate from Overhead Equipment (OHE) or any railway electrical installation.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the fire originated from one of the parked two-wheelers,” Railways said.

Officials estimated that about 500 two-wheelers were parked in the shed, and most of them were gutted in the incident.

Five fire tenders were deployed, and the blaze was brought under control by around 7.45 am, officials said.

All measures were taken to prevent the fire from spreading to the railway station platforms and causing further damage.

External flame impact on a departmental tower wagon in the yard was noticed and promptly attended to and the wagon was subsequently moved to a safe location, Southern Railways said.

Apart from the two-wheelers, the entire shed covered with tin sheets was damaged in the fire.

Police and railway authorities have launched a probe to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, fire officials added.

The parking area was covered under CCTV surveillance.

However, the CCTV control unit and hard disk were damaged in the fire and have been handed over to the local police.

Thrissur West Police registered a case in connection with the fire incident and launched an investigation.

As per the FIR, around 500 two-wheelers were gutted in the fire, along with a parking fee printing machine belonging to Aswathy Enterprises, which holds the contract to operate the parking facility on the western side of the railway station.

Apart from this, two mobile phones belonging to employees of Aswathy Enterprises and Rs 10,000 in cash were also lost in the fire, the FIR said.

State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar visited the spot and assessed the situation.

"We have made a preliminary assessment based on the statements of employees at the parking area. A special team led by an Additional Superintendent of Police, including an Assistant Commissioner and Circle Inspectors, has been constituted," he told reporters.

He said that in the wake of the incident, a decision has been taken to conduct fire audits at paid parking facilities across Kerala.

"The Superintendent of Police (Railway) has been tasked with this. He will examine the matter and submit a report. In addition, a joint effort will be made to enhance security apparatus involving local police, railway police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF)," Chandrasekhar said.

He said preliminary statements indicated that a spark from an electric line may have caused the fire, but further investigation is required to confirm it.

Revenue Minister K Rajan also visited the spot and assessed the situation.

He said a thorough audit would be conducted to ensure such incidents do not occur again.

The Southern Railway said that to assist affected passengers, the parking agency has opened a Help Desk and Assistance Centre at the parking area to facilitate coordination with owners of damaged vehicles and to assist with insurance and claim-related procedures.

A helpline number has also been provided.

Railway officials stated that further updates will be issued based on the outcome of the ongoing investigations. PTI TBA TBA ROH