A massive fire broke out at a wholesale scrap warehouse at Karukachal near here on Wednesday, triggering panic in the area and causing losses worth several lakhs of rupees. The fire was first reported around 4 am at the warehouse located opposite a private hospital. The blaze spread rapidly through the unit, which had stored large quantities of scrap materials, including plastic waste, sending thick smoke billowing across the locality.’
Firefighters initially faced difficulty entering the structure owing to the intensity of the blaze and concentrated on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby areas. The blaze was finally brought under control after hours of firefighting operations involving nine units from Pampady, Changanassery, Thiruvalla and Kottayam. However, the warehouse and the scrap materials stored inside were completely gutted in the fire.
The scrap goods had been stored inside a shed spread across nearly 3,000 square feet. Meanwhile, workers staying near the warehouse escaped unhurt. Officials said the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained and that a detailed investigation would be carried out. The police, meanwhile, regulated traffic through the area for several hours.
Published – May 13, 2026 07:53 pm IST
