Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Jan 2: A major fire accident was reported late on the night of December 31 at Sri Mahammayi Oil Mill located at Hanchinangadi near Jansale village in Siddapur, resulting in extensive damage and heavy financial loss.
According to sources, the fire broke out at the Sri Mahammayi Oil (Madhu) factory late on Wednesday night. The Kundapur Fire and Emergency Services received information about the blaze at around 12.55 am and rushed to the spot immediately.
As the unit was involved in coconut oil processing, the fire intensified rapidly. Additional fire tenders—one each from Byndoor and Hosangadi KPC—were pressed into service. Three fire tenders battled the flames for nearly nine hours before successfully bringing the fire under control. Local residents actively assisted the firefighting teams during the operation.
Udupi district Fire and Emergency Services officer Vinay Kalkadka visited the spot and conducted an inspection. Preliminary assessment suggests that the fire may have been caused due to an electrical short circuit.
The oil mill has been completely gutted in the incident. A large quantity of copra, coconut oil, machinery, and plastic cans stored inside the unit were destroyed in the blaze. The total loss is estimated to be around Rs 5 crore.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.