Fire in metrowater land triggers panic in Chennai’s Koyambedu

A fire in an empty land in Koyambedu belonging to Chennai Metrowater triggered panic after a passerby shot and circulated videos of thick smoke looming over Koyambedu on Monday afternoon.

According to Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue officials, the dry grass caught fire and it spread rapidly. Seeing the smoke, passers by alerted the fire control room and four fire tenders were pressed into service. “It will take sometime to bring the situation under control. The thick smoke triggered panic among the local residents,” said V. Ilangovan, station fire officers, J.J. Nagar.

Fire officers said that such incidents are common during summer. “Even last year a similar incident happened,” he added.

Meanwhile, many circulated videos on social media and message sharing platforms wondering what had happened. Some who had to board buses from Koyambedu, were anxious and wondered if they had to postpone their trip.