Major fire breaks out in bread factory; no casualties

Kanpur: A major fire broke out in a bread factory in the Baudh Vihar area under the limits of Hanumant Vihar police station on Monday morning. The blaze erupted when the workers started the motor to begin work and a spark from a short circuit fell into a diesel tank near the furnace, causing flames. The employees initially tried to extinguish the fire themselves, but the flames intensified. The fire rapidly spread through both floors of the bread manufacturing unit, engulfing raw materials, finished products, and machinery.

Subsequently, the fire department was alerted. Three fire tenders arrived at the scene and managed to control the fire after an hour-and-a-half of effort.

Factory owner Amrit Chhabra, a resident of Saket Nagar, reported that the fire caused an estimated loss of around Rs 1.5 crore.

Chief fire officer Deepak Sharma stated that there were no casualties. "Initially, it appears that the fire was caused by a short circuit. Three fire tenders, responding to the fire alert, managed to control the blaze after about an hour-and-a-half of effort," said the CFO further.

The ground floor of the factory is used as a warehouse, while the upper floor houses the furnace and machinery. Local residents gathered outside as thick black smoke billowed from the building.

The factory will remain closed until repairs are completed and safety clearances are obtained.