Fire breaks out at footwear godown in Kochi, no casualties
Kochi : A massive fire broke out at a footwear showroom and godown located near the South railway station in Kerala's commercial hub Kochi Wednesday.
Officials said no casualty was reported but firefighters took several hours to bring the blaze, which broke out in the the fourth floor of the six-storeyed building, under control.
Around 50 fire engines rushed to the spot and evacuated people from nearby shops and residential buildings, a fire department official told PTI.
An eyewitness said a large plume of black smoke was seen spreading around the multi-storeyed structure before the fire broke out. Short circuit is suspected to be the cause of the blaze but it cannot be confirmed at the moment, the official said.
"No casualty has been reported as the employees of the godown moved out of the building as soon as the fire broke out.
Now the blaze is under control...we are trying to douse it completely," the official said.
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26-year-old youth from Andhra dies by suicide in US
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) (PTI): A 26-year-old youth from this district has died allegedly by suicide in Chicago, US, recently, due to distress over debt, sources said on Saturday.
The family members of the deceased have requested that the identity of their relative be withheld, noting that his parents are senior citizens suffering from medical conditions.
Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences and assured assistance for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I request Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure smooth and hassle-free transport of the mortal remains," Lokesh said in a post on X.
An NRI community member from the US posted on social media that one of their members from Kurnool on Optional Practical Training (OPT) passed away in Chicago a few days ago.
He said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) had completed all necessary documentation and formalities to send the mortal remains to India for final rites.
He further requested assistance in expediting the cargo pickup, currently scheduled for Sunday, seeking an earlier arrangement considering the urgency.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
