Massive Fire Destroys Over 50 Businesses in Kerala's Thaliparamba Commercial Complex

The devastating blaze generated such extreme heat that it caused glass windows to shatter in buildings located across the street.

Kannur:

A catastrophic fire engulfed a prominent commercial complex in Thaliparamba, Kannur, on Wednesday evening, decimating over 50 businesses and resulting in financial losses estimated at several crore rupees.

According to officials, while no casualties were reported, the property damage has been extensive.

The inferno, which ignited around 4:55 p.m., was finally brought under control after firefighters battled the flames for more than three and a half hours.

Reports indicate the fire originated in a toy shop called "Mitreds" within the KV Complex, situated near the municipal bus stand alongside the national highway.

Within minutes, the flames rapidly spread to neighboring establishments, including textile stores, mobile phone outlets, and a supermarket.

The KV Complex stands as one of Thaliparamba's most bustling commercial centers, housing numerous shops, offices, and jewelry stores.

Community members claimed there was a delayed response from firefighting services, stating it took over 30 minutes for the initial unit to arrive at the scene.

By that time, the fire had already consumed a significant portion of the complex.

Eventually, twelve fire units from Kannur, Payyannur, Thalassery, Koothuparamba, Mattannur, Iritty, and adjacent districts were mobilized to contain the blaze.

More than 30 establishments, including the two-level Shalimar Supermarket, were completely destroyed.

Gas cylinders inside several shops exploded, accelerating the fire's spread.

Firefighting teams worked diligently to prevent the flames from reaching the upper floors of Jayafashion Jewellery, a notable local business.

The intense heat caused glass panes to shatter in buildings across the street.

Traffic on the national highway was temporarily suspended and subsequently rerouted through Pazhayangadi.

Fire department officials suspect an electrical short circuit triggered the disaster. The incident has prompted serious concerns regarding emergency preparedness and fire safety protocols in the town's commercial areas. An investigation is currently in progress.