Northeast Desk, 19th May: A devastating fire erupted at the head office of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) in Thoubal District, wreaking havoc and causing extensive damage to multiple structures within the complex. The inferno, which broke out around 11:30 pm on Friday night, swiftly engulfed the old PHED building, reducing it to ashes, according to fire service sources.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, as the office caretaker managed to escape unharmed. However, the blaze consumed various offices within the complex, including those of the Executive Engineer, Assistant Engineers, Section Officers, and other officials, resulting in significant damage.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, possibly exacerbated by the deteriorating infrastructure of the old building.
Efforts to contain the flames were promptly initiated, with two fire tenders dispatched from the Thoubal district headquarters upon receiving the distress call. Despite their swift response, the fire had already engulfed a substantial portion of the premises upon their arrival, highlighting the intensity of the blaze.
An initial assessment conducted on Saturday estimated the losses from the fire to exceed Rs 1.1 crore, underscoring the magnitude of the devastation wrought by the incident.
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