A devastating fire engulfed a flattened and puffed rice factory in the Kathaltali Industrial Area near the capital Agartala on Saturday night at around 11:30 PM. The factory owner, who witnessed the incident, raised an alarm, and workers from neighboring factories rushed to the spot and informed the fire department.
At least nine fire tenders rushed to the site and brought the situation under control on Sunday morning.
Tripura Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Nabadal Banik, Director of the Industry department Vishashree B and other concerned officials visited the spot. Fire service, TNGCL and administration worked in tandem whole night to douse the fire. Police from Amtali police station rushed to the spot on Saturday night.
Speaking to the media, Banik assured that the Industry department would stand by the side of the affected factory owner. He said officials assessment would be conducted and after that understanding the intensity of the losses, necessary assistance would be extended.
Several Fire engines from various locations, including Badarghat, Agartala, Anandnagar, and Maharajganj Bazar, swiftly arrived at the scene and began firefighting operations. Firefighters battled the blaze until Sunday morning 9 AM, finally bringing it under control. However, the flattened rice (Chira) and paddy stored inside the factory were completely destroyed.
On Sunday morning, administrative officials were seen rushing to the site of the horrific fire. The factory owner and others informed the media that a gas pipeline passes by the factory. According to the locals the fire originated from a gas leak from the supply line. The estimated loss in this devastating fire is pegged at over Rs 80 lakhs. The factory owner appealed to the state government for assistance.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
