Manali godown fire: Major blaze in Himachal Pradesh city

A major fire broke out in a private oil godown in Manali on Monday. Fire and Rescue Services personnel have been fighting the fire since 11. 30 a.m.

Thick smoke billowed from a private oil godown belonging to Sri Sathya Sai Oil Lubricants at Rajiv Gandhi Nagar in Vichoor near Manali and the fire destroyed several oil cans stored at the facility. Upon receipt of the information, personnel from Fire and Rescue services quickly rushed to the spot with water tankers and other materials to put out the fire.

Reports suggest the fire service personnel could not approach the accident spot since the fire was huge, and flames spread to other premises as well. One woman sustained burns in the incident.

Fire and rescue services personnel continued firefighting operations until evening as thick smoke engulfed the locality. According to sources, the blaze erupted at the warehouse, where waste oil and lubricant materials were allegedly stored. A few workers present at the premises noticed the fire and immediately evacuated before alerting the Fire and Rescue services department. Firefighters from Manali, Ennore and Tiruvottiyur rushed to the spot and launched operations to contain the blaze.

Officials said the fire intensified as oil cans stored inside the warehouse exploded, making it difficult for personnel to approach the site initially. Dense black smoke billowed into the sky and was visible from several kilometres away.

Police sources said the company’s main manufacturing unit functions in Coimbatore, while the Vichoor facility was primarily used as a storage and transport warehouse. Officials added that only a few workers and a watchman were usually present at the premises.Sources further said the facility had earlier been sealed following court directions and had resumed operations only recently. During the firefighting operation, two firefighters reportedly collapsed after inhaling dense smoke. They were rescued by fellow personnel, administered first aid and admitted to a nearby hospital.

Officials confirmed that the fire did not spread to neighbouring factories and no casualties were reported. However, the Manali New Town police are monitoring the situation and inquiries are under way to ascertain the cause of the fire.