Patna, June 23 (IANS) A major fire broke out on Tuesday at the Shri Krishna factory in the Bela Phase-I industrial area of Muzaffarpur in Bihar, officials said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze, although the exact cause is yet to be officially confirmed.

The fire spread rapidly through the factory premises, reportedly damaging raw materials, finished products, and machinery worth several lakhs of rupees.

As the fire intensified, thick smoke billowed from the factory, creating panic among workers and residents in the surrounding industrial area. Employees from nearby units reportedly evacuated their workplaces as a precaution.

After receiving information about the incident, police personnel from the Bela police station and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot. Firefighters, assisted by local residents and factory workers, worked for several hours to contain the blaze.

According to an official, around ten fire tenders were deployed to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent industrial units. Rescue and firefighting operations continued until the flames were brought under control.

Initial assessments indicate that the fire caused extensive damage to raw materials stored inside the factory, finished products, industrial machinery and equipment, and other factory assets.

Authorities are currently assessing the total losses.

Despite the intensity of the fire, no loss of life or injuries has been reported so far, providing relief to workers and local residents. Police officials have begun an investigation into the incident, and the exact cause of the fire will be known after a detailed inquiry.

Meanwhile, authorities in Muzaffarpur continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the fire does not reignite.

The industrial area has witnessed significant property damage, but the absence of casualties remains a major relief.

This came close on the heels of a massive fire that broke out in a coaching institute in Lucknow, claiming the lives of several people.

–IANS

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