Edibles and equipment estimated at around tens of lakhs were gutted when a fire broke out at a namkeen factory in the Dev Nagar locality of Sehore on Saturday morning.
Three fire engines and scores of fire brigade employees struggled for hours before the flames could be brought under control.
Authorities later said that the fire was caused by a short circuit, adding that no one was injured in the accident, as the factory was closed when the fire started.Eyewitnesses said that the fire sent clouds of smoke billowing through the factory, which could be seen for several miles."The fire grew in size as it reached the edible oils stored on the premises," they said.Local authorities are investigating the incident, which comes days ahead of a high-risk period that accompanies Diwali.
Those living in the neighborhood of the namkeen factory said that fire service personnel managed to control the fire, which at one point was threatening to grow in proportion.Factory owner Rakesh Rai said that he learned of the fire from residents in the area. He explained that a delay in the arrival of the fire brigade had resulted in the losses he has suffered.
