Employees of the textile showroom in shock

Cause of fire: The fire service sources said an electric short circuit at the generator room on the ground floor is suspected to have caused the fire. Diesel cans reportedly kept in the generator room caused the fire to spread. As the fire spread, loud noises were heard indicating the inner walls were collapsing.

Employees shocked: Many employees of Chennai Silks had come to work as usual, without knowing about the accident. When they reached the showroom they were shocked to see their workplace up in flames. Many were seen looking at the building in disbelief with tears in their eyes.

Big crack on the second floor: The fire caused a big crack on the outer wall of the Chennai Silks building, posing a fear of collapse. More cracks had appeared as the fire progressed from one floor to the other. All the glass panels in the store were shattered.

Thick cloud of smoke: At first, the firefighting team could not even spot the flames inside the building as the entire area was covered in thick smoke. It delayed the intervention of firemen and the fire quickly spread from one floor to the other. The fire service personnel, however, managed to save 11 people from the top floor and two from the fourth floor. 

Motorists had a tough time: When police started cordoning the area and diverting the traffic, several vehicles were stranded at North Usman Road, South Usman Road, Pondy Bazaar and TTD Road. Police had a tough time handling the onlookers who wanted to have a glimpse of the fire. This resulted in traffic piling up on the road.