A fire that broke out at one of the pandals set up for the 'Ayutha Chandi Yagam' today, consuming the roof over the main 'Homagundam' and the adjacent structures.
Fortunately neither did anyone sustain injuries nor was there any loss of life. Soon after the flames leapt into the air, at about 1.10 p.m, those nearby quickly swung into action and herded the thousands of devotees out of the immediate vicinity.
However, in what was clearly a relief to the administration, the incident took place less than a few minutes before the Presidential choppers were to arrive.
The three-chopper fleet did make a sortie over the area before flying back to Hyderabad. Although officials were busy and presspersons were shooed away by the police, it is reliably understood that keeping the safety of the country's First Citizen in mind, his security had suggested that they leave the area without landing.
As police cleared the area, fire-fighters nearby rushed to the spot and managed to contain the fire in about 45 minutes.
As news spread most of Ministers and other party leaders rushed to Erravalli.
Enquires revealed that while almost the entire set of rituals for the Ayutha Chandi Yagam were over, what remained was the 'Poornahuthi' that was to have started at 1.30 p.m and close at 2.15 p.m.
