A massive fire broke out at Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, Kerala, early on Sunday, destroying ten traditional fishing boats anchored near Kureepuzha. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. and quickly escalated as flames engulfed the moored vessels and nearby Chinese fishing nets.
Fire Spread Rapidly; Cause Under Investigation
Authorities said the exact cause of the fire is still being probed. The blaze intensified rapidly, fueled by onboard gas cylinders stored in the boats, several of which exploded during the fire, complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations Hampered
Fire and Rescue Services faced significant challenges due to:
- Exploding gas cylinders
- Poor road connectivity to the affected shore
- Dense smoke and rapid fire spread
Despite these hurdles, firefighters and local residents worked together to pull away eight additional boats, preventing the flames from consuming a larger fleet.
No Loss of Life
Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Local fishermen, many of whom rely on the destroyed boats for livelihood, reported heavy financial losses. Authorities are expected to review safety measures and recommend steps to prevent similar incidents in the region.
The investigation continues as officials assess the damage and gather evidence from the site.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
