Fire breaks out at automobile service centre in Keralam’s Kochi; none injured

A fire broke out at an automobile service centre at Thevara in Kochi on Tuesday, causing widespread damage to the facility, which is being relocated. A major tragedy was averted as the workers at the site promptly responded to the fire and moved to safety. None was injured.

The incident took place at the service centre at Varavukattil Lane in Thevara around 11 a.m. The fire broke out when workers were engaged in uninstalling the steel frames of the facility as part of the relocation. Sparks from welding machines fell into a heap of garbage, including cans carrying residues of combustible liquids such as paint thinner and lubricants, triggering the fire and minor explosions, according to officials at the Club Road Fire Station.