The picturesque Papanasam beach at Varkala was a scene of hectic activity on Friday morning as a fire broke out in the area gutting nearly 20 shops, 12 of them completely. No casualties were reported, though the losses were estimated at Rs.30 lakh.
According to Fire and Rescue Services personnel at the Varkala Fire Station, the fire was triggered by sparks from a short circuit on an electric post close to the shops in the area. Two LPG cylinders in a shop exploded in the fire, with the wind from the sea helping the blaze spread quickly across the long line of closely arranged shops.
The Fire and Rescue Services officials said the blaze left 12 shops completely gutted, around eight partially damaged, and a couple of resorts damaged.
- Special Correspondent