Daijiworld Media Network - Candolim

Candolim, May 10: A devastating fire broke out at a general store in Sebastianwada-Candolim on Friday morning, leaving a local couple with minor injuries and causing property damage estimated at over Rs 5 lac.

The incident occurred around 11:50 am while store owners Lawrence Pereira (68) and Isbin Pereira (62) were inside the shop. A suspected short circuit triggered the blaze, and as the couple attempted to douse the flames, they sustained minor injuries.

Bystanders managed to rescue the couple just before two gas cylinders inside the store exploded, engulfing the entire shop in flames.

Firefighters from the Pilerne fire station, assisted by a unit from Porvorim, responded swiftly and brought the fire under control. The couple received medical treatment at a private hospital in Candolim and were later discharged.

The fire destroyed three refrigerators, other shop equipment, and a scooter parked behind the premises. Calangute Police, led by Inspector Anant Gaonkar, conducted a panchanama at the scene to assess the damages and investigate the cause.