Kannur, Oct 9
A massive fire swept through a major commercial complex in Thaliparamba, Kannur, on Wednesday evening, destroying over 50 establishments and causing estimated losses running to several crores.
Officials said no casualties were reported, though the property damage is extensive.
The blaze, which began around 4:55 p.m., was brought under control after more than three and a half hours of firefighting.
The fire reportedly started in a toy store named "Mitreds" located in the KV Complex, close to the municipal bus stand on the national highway.
Within minutes, the flames spread to adjoining shops, including textile stores, mobile outlets, and a supermarket.
The KV Complex is one of Thaliparamba's busiest commercial hubs, housing several shops, offices and jewellery outlets.
Local residents alleged a delayed response from the fire force, claiming it took more than 30 minutes for the first unit to reach the spot.
By then, the fire had already spread through a large part of the complex.
Twelve fire units from Kannur, Payyannur, Thalassery, Koothuparamba, Mattannur, Iritty and neighbouring districts were eventually deployed to contain the blaze.
More than 30 stores, including the two-storey Shalimar Supermarket, were completely gutted.
Gas cylinders inside some shops exploded, accelerating the spread of the fire.
Firefighters struggled to prevent the blaze from reaching the upper floors of Jayafashion Jewellery, a prominent local outlet.
The intense heat shattered glass panes on buildings across the road.
Traffic on the national highway was halted and later diverted through Pazhayangadi.
Fire officials suspect a short circuit triggered the blaze. The incident has raised serious questions about emergency preparedness and fire safety measures in the town's commercial hubs. An investigation is underway.
— IANS
Reader Comments
KV Complex was the heart of Thaliparamba's shopping area. So many memories of shopping there with family. The economic impact on local businesses will be devastating. Hope the government provides adequate compensation and support to affected shop owners.
As someone who visited this complex last month, I'm shocked! The fire safety standards in many Indian commercial buildings need serious improvement. Gas cylinders in shops? That's a disaster waiting to happen. Proper fire audits should be mandatory.
The fire fighters did their best once they reached, but the delay in initial response is unacceptable. We need more fire stations in rural towns like Thaliparamba. Commercial complexes should have basic fire safety equipment and regular drills.
My cousin had a mobile shop in that complex. They've lost everything overnight. 😔 The community should come together to support these affected families. This incident shows how vulnerable small businesses are to such disasters.
While I appreciate that no casualties occurred, the response time issue needs addressing. In developed countries, fire stations are strategically located for quick response. Kerala should learn from this and improve emergency infrastructure across the state.
The fact that it took 12 fire units from multiple districts to control
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