Blaze destroys Jayanagar edifice

Blaze destroys Jayanagar edifice
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: The three decade-old market in the landmark Jayanagar IV Block Shopping Complex was reduced to a smouldering heap when a major fire broke out late on Friday night.
The fire, which was noticed at around 11 pm, totally destroyed over 100 shops and left many others half-burnt.
The first floor of the building, which had mostly garment and tailoring shops, is completely destroyed.
The Complex does not have a centre beam and its awning is bent a little.
Over 20 fire tenders and five supply vehicles were pressed into service. Huge flames were seen at the top of the complex till around 6 am on Saturday. Smoke was coming out of some shops till 12 noon.
Ramesh, who owned a bangle shop in the first floor, said he learnt about the fire at around 11.05 pm. Ramesh lives in Jayanagar II Block and rushed to the spot immediately. Those who came early made a futile attempt to enter the Complex and douse the fire, but had to beat a hasty retreat due to thick smoke.
Help came a bit late for these people. Though the fire force was informed immediately, fire engines at Dairy Circle developed starting problem, delaying the process by over half an hour.
Fire-fighters had problems too as they couldn’t access the market from the top of the complex. Later, they drilled holes to the shops in the first floor of the complex and pumped water through the holes. The fire fury slowly began to subside by around 4 am when the firemen began entering the complex.