Ranchi, May 12 (IANS) A massive fire broke out at the popular ‘Levee Bar and Restaurant’ located at the busy Karamtoli Chowk area in Ranchi during the early hours of Tuesday, causing extensive damage to the property and reducing valuables worth several lakhs of rupees to ashes.

The incident reportedly took place around 5 A.M and thick black smoke and towering flames rising from the restaurant created panic among local residents and passersby. The fire was so intense that it could be seen from a considerable distance, drawing crowds to the area within minutes.

According to eyewitnesses, nearby residents first noticed smoke billowing out of the building and immediately informed the police and fire department. Soon after receiving the alert, multiple fire tenders reached the spot and launched a major firefighting operation. Firefighters battled the blaze for a long time before finally bringing it under control.

Officials said the fire completely gutted the restaurant’s interior, including costly furniture, decorative items, kitchen appliances, electrical equipment, and other materials kept inside the premises. Parts of the building structure were also damaged due to the extreme heat generated by the flames.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported as the restaurant was closed at the time of the incident and no staff members or customers were present inside. Authorities said the prompt action by the fire department prevented the flames from spreading to nearby shops and residential buildings in the densely populated locality, thereby averting a major tragedy.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a short circuit may have triggered the fire. However, officials said the exact cause would only be confirmed after forensic and technical examinations are completed.

Teams from the local police station and the fire department remained at the site to assess the damage. The restaurant owner claimed that the establishment had suffered heavy financial losses in the incident.

–IANS

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