Car spares worth lakhs gutted in Guindy

The godown, part of the Maruti dealership, is located behind the car display showroom. The fire is suspected to have started after the employees of the dealership had finished work and left for home at 10 pm on Monday night. 

Passers-by and the security guards posted at the showroom noticed smoke emanating from the spare parts godown around 11.30 pm and immediately alerted the fire control room. Following this, personnel from Raj Bhavan, Guindy, Saidapet and Teynampet fire stations rushed to the spot with fire tenders and attempted dousing the flames. 

It took three hours of struggle before they could finally bring the fire under control. It is not immediately known as to the extent of the damage but it has been estimated that the figures run to several lakhs. 

Though a short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire, Guindy police have filed a case and are probing whether it was more than an accident.

In another fire accident, a cylinder exploded at a tea shop attached to a popular restaurant on Velachery Main road on Tuesday evening. None were injured as the workers vacated the structure soon after it caught fire. 

The incident took place around 6 pm near Rasavid restaurant. On information, TNFRS personnel from Raj Bhavan, Velachery and Saidapet rushed to the spot and put out the fire in 30 minutes. The swift response by the officers prevented a major accident at the building, which had a generator placed right next to it, said an official. Velachery police have registered a case and further inquiry is on.