Thiruvananthapuram: A major fire broke out at a godown that stored scrapped vehicles in Killi near Kattakada on Sunday evening; no casualties were reported. The facility houses vehicles that were permitted to be scrapped by motor vehicles department (MVD).According to officials, flames and thick smoke were first noticed by residents around 5pm. They immediately alerted Kattakada fire and rescue unit. Three units rushed to the spot and managed to douse the blaze. The godown is located along a narrow road barely wide enough for a single vehicle to pass, making it difficult for fire engines to access the site. Fire force personnel said the restricted entry posed serious challenges in reaching the source of the fire and bringing it under control. Locals alleged that repeated complaints were submitted seeking the removal of scrapped vehicles from roadsides in the Killi area, but no effective action was taken. They also claimed that the godown was functioning without adhering to prescribed safety norms for storing unserviceable vehicles. Several houses and places of worship are situated near the site. Residents said that if the fire broke out at night, the consequences could be far more severe. The godown reportedly stored tyres, fuel-filled tanks, wires and various electrical and electronic components, which intensified the risk.
