Kochi, Dec 30 (UNI) A major fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday at the bustling Broadway market area in Kochi, destroying several shops and causing heavy property damage, officials said.
The blaze was reported shortly after midnight from the Koluthara Bazaar complex near Sridhar Cinema. Fire and Rescue Services personnel rushed to the spot, deploying multiple fire engines to contain the flames in the densely packed commercial zone.
According to preliminary estimates, around 12 shops, mostly dealing in toys and fancy goods, were completely gutted in the fire. Firefighters battled the inferno for more than an hour before bringing it under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.
No injuries or loss of life were reported, as the incident occurred when the market was closed. Cooling operations continued into the morning hours.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether an electrical short circuit or other factors triggered the incident.
The Broadway market is one of Kochi’s busiest trading hubs, and the fire has resulted in significant losses for traders, particularly during the peak year-end business season.
Fire ravages shops at Kochi Broadway market, no casualties reported
