Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Mar 22: A tyre puncture repair shop was completely gutted in a fire near the Hejamadi toll plaza on National Highway 66 on Sunday, March 22, in the afternoon, officials said.
The blaze is believed to have started from sparks emitted by a nearby electric transformer, which set dry grass alight. The flames quickly spread and engulfed the shop owned by Saifulla, a person of Bihar descent.
“The fire spread rapidly, consuming the compressor, generator, tool kits, and tyres stored in the shop,” said a local official.
Local residents and Padubidri police were the first to respond, attempting to douse the flames with water.
Fire and emergency services personnel from Udupi soon arrived and brought the fire fully under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties.
The total loss from the incident is estimated at around Rs 4–5 lac.