KOPPAL: A major fire broke out at the four-storeyed jewellery showroom of KGP Gold and Diamond in Gangavathi on Saturday midnight, destroying jewellery worth crores. Firefighters had to battle the blaze for more than six hours till morning, before it would be finally doused.
The shop owners had closed for the day around 10 pm on Friday, but around 11.30 pm, smoke was noticed coming from the shop. Soon, a major fire broke out, causing panic among people living in the area.
The firefighers were immediately informed and power supply in the area was cut. Fire tenders were called in from Gangavathi, Karatagi and other places as the blaze spread.
Gold and silver jewellery and diamonds were kept in the ground and first floors while garments were kept on the third floor. Waste material was stored in the topmost floor.
Fire and Emergency Services officials feel that an electrical short circuit may have caused the fire. Regional Fire Officer of Ballari, Thimmareddy, said, “We got a call around 11.45 pm and a fire tender was dispatched from Gangavathi. When the team arrived here, the blaze was intense and the control room was contacted following which fire tenders were called from Koppal and Karatagi also. None of our personnel were injured”.
KGP Gold and Diamond is owned by one Ganesh of Hubballi and has many branches across north Karnataka. A case has been registered at Gangavathi Town police station and investigation is on to establish the cause of the fire.