Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Feb 14: A major fire broke out at a craft store in Beltangady on Saturday morning, February 14, following a helium gas leak, resulting in the destruction of property worth several lacs.

The incident occurred at around 7:30 am at the ‘KAF Creative Art & Craft Store’ owned by Mohammed Sameel, located on the first floor of the Heraje Complex in Santhekatte.

According to sources, two employees were in the process of filling balloons with helium gas for an upcoming event when the gas leak triggered a sudden fire. The flames quickly spread throughout the store, gutting the entire inventory. Sensing the danger, both employees managed to run out of the premises just in time, narrowly escaping injury.

The local fire brigade and residents rushed to the spot and conducted an operation to douse the flames. While the fire was eventually brought under control, the intense heat and smoke caused damage to neighboring shops in the complex as well. Fortunately, no major casualties were reported.

The incident drew a large crowd of onlookers, which led to a traffic jam on the main road. Beltangady local and traffic police arrived at the scene to clear the area and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles. In the midst of the chaos, one of the female employees of the shop fainted from shock while witnessing the destruction. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by locals for medical attention.

The total loss incurred due to the fire is yet to be fully estimated.