A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at a disposable products factory located on Sonpur Road in Chhindwara. The blaze reportedly started around 2 am and quickly escalated into a massive inferno, engulfing the entire premises within a short span of time. By the time emergency teams arrived, the fire had already spread across the factory due to highly flammable materials stored inside.

Firefighting efforts continue for hours

Firefighters struggled for several hours to control the blaze. Five fire tenders were deployed, along with four water tankers from the municipal corporation. The presence of polythene and disposable items fueled the flames, making it difficult to contain the fire quickly. Authorities managed to bring the situation under control only after 6 am, although smoke continued to rise intermittently from the site.

Factory owner and elderly family member injured

The factory belongs to Deepak Sahu, who lived on the premises with his family. At the time of the incident, family members were inside the house built within the factory compound. An elderly member of the family sustained burn injuries after being caught in the fire. While attempting to rescue him, Deepak Sahu also got injured. The elderly victim was rushed to the hospital, while Deepak received primary treatment on-site from a local doctor.

Panic among family members and locals

As news of the incident spread, relatives and locals rushed to the spot. The sight of the factory engulfed in flames left the family in deep distress. People from the neighborhood stepped in to comfort them and assist in rescue efforts. Despite the chaos, locals showed remarkable presence of mind and acted swiftly to prevent a larger disaster.

Major accident averted due to timely action

Gas cylinders and diesel meant for generators were stored within the factory premises. Locals managed to remove these hazardous items in time, preventing possible explosions and a far more catastrophic situation. Their quick response is being credited with averting a major tragedy.

Cash worth Rs 28 lakh rescued amid chaos

Amid the rapidly spreading fire, the family managed to save cash worth Rs 28 lakh kept inside the house. However, most household belongings were destroyed in the blaze. Sparks from the fire also spread to nearby agricultural fields, causing damage to standing crops.

Authorities and leaders reach the spot

Police officials from the Kotwali station reached the location soon after receiving information. A Naib Tehsildar also visited the site late at night to assess the situation. Local leaders and social workers arrived to offer assistance and support to the affected family.

Cause of fire still unknown

Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary estimates suggest that the incident has caused losses exceeding Rs 50 lakh. Officials stated that although the fire is under control, teams remain deployed as a precaution due to lingering smoke and heat inside the debris.

A major fire broke out at the Sales Tax (State Tax) office in Khandwa on Sunday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the building and destroying crucial government records. The office, located opposite the district jail, was quickly engulfed in flames, sending thick black smoke into the sky and alarming nearby residents.

Fire Breaks Out Suddenly in Afternoon

The incident occurred around 2 PM when locals noticed flames and heavy smoke rising from the building. They immediately alerted emergency services by calling Dial 112. Police personnel from the nearby Kotwali station were the first to reach the scene and began initial safety measures.

Holiday Prevents Casualties

Fortunately, being a Sunday, the office was closed at the time of the incident. This significantly reduced the risk of casualties, as no officials or staff members were present inside the building. Authorities confirmed that the situation could have been far more serious if the fire had occurred on a working day.

Possible Cause Linked to Negligence

Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have originated from burning dry bushes in the premises. It is believed that the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, eventually reaching the building and turning into a major blaze. However, some officials have also indicated that an electrical short circuit cannot be ruled out and remains under investigation.

Firefighting Efforts Intensified

Within 30 minutes of receiving the alert, three fire brigade vehicles reached the location and began efforts to control the fire. Firefighters worked intensively to prevent the flames from spreading further and to bring the situation under control.

Severe Damage to Records and Property

The fire caused significant damage to office infrastructure, including furniture, documents, and equipment. Reports indicate that the record room was completely destroyed, resulting in the loss of important files. However, the computer room reportedly remained safe, preventing a complete loss of digital data.

Office Structure and Importance

The two-storey building was constructed recently and became operational in June 2023. It housed both district-level and divisional offices, handling key functions related to sales tax and GST operations in the region.

Official Statement on Loss

Assistant Commissioner Jyoti Brahme stated that the office handled all major tax-related work and that the extent of damage is currently being assessed. While initial reports suggest widespread destruction, officials are still verifying whether any records can be recovered.

Investigation Underway

Authorities, along with fire department officials, are now conducting a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. A full damage assessment report is expected soon.