Daijiworld Media Network- Bantwal

Bantwal, Feb 3: A fire broke out at a house in Balakka near Goodinabail at B C Road on Monday, reducing property worth lacs of rupees to ashes and leaving a man injured.

The incident occurred at a house owned by local resident Charlie D’Souza, where Vijay Kulal and his family were residing on rent. Vijay Kulal sustained burn injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Bantwal government hospital.

According to sources, the fire broke out around 9.30 am when Vijay and his daughter Raksha were inside the house. Locals rushed to the spot and rescued both of them from the burning house. Vijay reportedly suffered burns during the rescue.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Raksha had recently started a small tailoring and clothing business at B.C Road and had kept the stock at home. Due to the intensity of the blaze, the clothes, materials and other items were completely destroyed. The loss is estimated to be in lakhs of rupees. Household articles were also gutted in the fire.

Bantwal fire and emergency services were immediately informed. However, due to the narrow approach road, the fire tender could not reach the spot. Later, alternative arrangements were made using a smaller vehicle, following which firefighters along with local residents managed to douse the flames. By then, most of the belongings had already been burnt.

Village accountant Yashchita and staff member Sadashiva Kaikamba visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Locals pointed out that the area has Bantwal railway station and a railway bridge across the river, and the narrow road makes it difficult for heavy vehicles to pass. They said the incident once again highlighted the long-pending demand to widen the road.

It is learnt that Vijay Kulal’s family is financially weak and his daughter had begun the clothing business to support the family. With the stock and tailoring machine destroyed in the fire, the family has been left in distress.

Ramanath Rai also visited the spot.