Fire destroys Shell oil warehouse near Nelamangala, electrical short circuit suspected

BENGALURU: A massive fire broke out at a Shell company engine oil warehouse in Adakamaranahalli near Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The fire engulfed the warehouse belonging to Krishnappa, where engine oil belonging to Shell company had been stored. The godown supplied oil to the entire state.

The fire broke out at 3 am, and over 30 fire tenders from Nelamangala, Peenya and Yeshwantpur responded to douse the fire. The fire was massive with flames and smoke rising high into the air. A case has been registered at the Madanayakanahalli police station.

The estimated loss is around Rs 30 crore, with the 40,000 sq ft warehouse completely destroyed. It is suspected that a huge quantity of oil was stored in the warehouse due to the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. The company had 20-30 workers employed daily.

The warehouse received direct shipments from Mumbai and stored oil in 500-1,000 litre barrels. The oil was being supplied to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Over 20 trucks and containers used to visit here daily.

The police are investigating the cause of the fire, which has raised concerns about oil shortages in the state.