Port Blair, April 24: In a fire accident that took place last night at Wimberlygunj, South Andaman, four shops in a building were completely gutted, causing heavy loss which is estimated to be around Rs. 20 Lakhs. The reason for the fire is learnt to be electric short circuit.

The accident took place at around 11.30 pm in a building owned by Shri P.K. Mohammed Siddique and a call was made to the Fire Control Room at 11.36 pm. Reacting to the call, one water Tender from Fire Station, Bambooflat was immediately rushed to the accident site. Meanwhile a private water tanker belonging to MMR Company also offered help by supplying water to Fire Station, Bambooflat. Another Water Tender from Fire Station, Ferrargunj also reached the spot to support the fire fighting.

According to sources, the Fire was brought under control by 1.00 am and it was fully controlled by 2.45 am. In the accident four shops which includes one vegetable shop, one stationery shop, a cool bar and a tea & snacks stall were completely gutted. An LPG Gas Cylinder also blasted on the spot but fortunately no injuries to any person was reported.

It is estimated that the loss due to the fire is around Rs. 20 Lakhs while property worth Rs. 30 Lakhs could be saved including the house of the owner and an ATM. The names of the shop owners whose shops were gutted are: Shri Bitish Baroi, Shri Anukul Das, Shri Tanaveer Basheer and Smti R. Laxmi.

Meanwhile, the PCC President today has requested the Lt Governor for immediate financial compensation to the victims of fire accident at Wimberlygunj. Sharma has stated that the four shops belonged to people of lower income group.