Major fire accident in Guntur chilli market

Expected estimated loss at Rs. 85 crore

A devastating fire suspected to have been caused by electrical short circuit on Saturday morning reduced the Asia's largest chilli market yard into ashes. However, there is no human loss is reported. According to sources, nearly 80 percent of the chilli stock and almost the entire infrastructure in the agriculture market yard was destroyed in the inferno that began at 10am and continued to rage till late in the evening.

The Chief Minister, Dr.YS Rajasekhara Reddy said in the State Capital that the preliminary estimates put the total loss at Rs.85 crore including damage of Rs.55 crore t the infrastructure. Nearly 26 fire tenders some of them requisitioned from the neighboring Krishna and Prakasam districts managed to control the fire after working relentlessly. Their operations were hampered by pungent odour of burning chillies and billowing smoke.

According to sources, the fire broke when a lorry overloaded with chilli bags hit an electrical pole while reversing caused ignition spark. Heat wave conditions prevailing in the city and the highly inflammable nature of the dry chilli worsened the the city and the highly inflammable nature of the dry chilli worsened the situation with no fire fighting facility. When the fire fighting tenders arrived, the situation went out of control and there is no way they could save the produce and property. However, no human loss is reported as few employees and farmers were present due to a holiday on Saturday. The Chief Minister, Dr.YS Rajasekhara Reddy who was in Delhi monitored the situation asked the Collectors of Krishna and Prakasam to assist the Guntur District Collector in the fire accident.

 Join Discussions on AndhraNews.com

MRPS president forcibly shifted to hospital
Police personnel stormed on his camp in wee hours of Saturday

Fire stations in major market yards soon
Chief Minister to review situation in Guntur on Sunday

Major fire accident in Guntur chilli market
Expected estimated loss at Rs. 85 crore

Events and happenings on 3 May in History

3 May 2001
Highlights: Union Minister Mrs. Sumithra Mahajan visited various Anganvadi Centers in Rangareddy

3 May 2002
Highlights: TDP still undecided on its candidate for Lok Sabha Speaker

3 May 2003
Highlights: Posters on International Terrorism released

3 May 2005
Highlights: Congress activist murdered

3 May 2006
Highlights: Monica Bedi trial on May 15

3 May 2007
Highlights: Rasheed surrenders before police