BENGALURU, 23 FEB

A major fire erupted at a plastic waste shredder unit in Gangondanahalli, near Nayandahalli, Bengaluru, on the early morning of Friday, causing significant damage and leaving several people with a huge loss. The fire department received an alert at 1:57am and promptly deployed five fire tenders to the scene. While the blaze was ultimately brought under control, it caused extensive damage.

According to the Nagarbhavi Fire department, the plastic waste shredder unit is owned by Rizwan, and it also functions as a parking lot for vehicles like auto rickshaws, goods vehicles, and pushcarts at the cost of Rs 30 per night.

A fire and rescue personnel told Salar News “The fire is suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit. It quickly spread through the compound, engulfing at least 26 auto rickshaws, one car, and multiple pushcarts parked on the premises. There was many plastic waste scattered on the premises which we suspect was the reason the fire spread so quickly.”

Locals described the scene as chaotic, with some attempting to save vehicles by moving them away from the inferno. However, the fire's intensity prevented many from salvaging their belongings.

Ismail Sheikh, a local resident, told Salar News “I woke up by 1:30am and heard the commotion outside. When I checked it, the fire had already crossed the compound and I alerted the fire department. Me and many other residents tried to save as many vehicles as we could but we could not save many of them at that time.” People who have incurred loss due to damage of vehicles have appealed to the authorities for compensation to help them recover from this devastating loss. —Salar News