Chennai: A massive fire ripped through an industrial unit dealing in paint and chemicals near Red Hills on Monday afternoon, triggering panic in the neighbourhood. Though no casualties were reported, the blaze sent shockwaves through the area as flames and thick smoke engulfed the premises within minutes.The fire broke out around 12.45pm at the private industrial unit owned by Prakash at Maharaja Nagar, Vadakarai. Two employees, who were inside the facility when the fire erupted, noticed smoke and the rising heat and immediately ran for safety, narrowly escaping the fire.According to officials, chemical barrels stored inside the warehouse exploded one after another, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Loud explosions were reportedly heard even from a distance, alarming residents.Fire and rescue services personnel from Red Hills, Madhavaram and Manali stations battled the flames for nearly two hours before bringing the situation under control. An officer said the blaze broke out suddenly at the paint manufacturing unit and spread rapidly due to the presence of highly flammable materials.Fire personnel suspect an electrical short circuit was the reason behind the fire accident.
