Staff Reporter :
A major fire broke out on Thursday morning in the Ama Seoni-Saddu area of the city, engulfing a plastic manufacturing unit and triggering panic among nearby residents.
According to officials, the blaze erupted at the Kawal Multilayer Plastic Factory and spread rapidly due to the presence of highly combustible plastic materials stored in the warehouse. Within a short span, flames consumed a large portion of the facility, raising fears of heavy losses.
Eyewitnesses said thick smoke billowed across the area, creating chaos as residents rushed out of their homes. A nearby stationery warehouse was also affected by the fire, further escalating the damage.
Fire brigade teams were alerted immediately, and at least five fire tenders were rushed to the spot.
Considering the intensity of the fire, additional fire tenders were called in from nearby areas,
ncluding Bhilai, while units from private industries also joined the firefighting efforts. A joint team of police and fire personnel has been deployed, and the surrounding area has been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Authorities have advised residents to stay away from the site to ensure safety. Fire officials said the blaze has been difficult to extinguish due to the nature of the materials involved, with continuous efforts underway to bring it under control. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Officials indicated that a detailed assessment of the damage will be carried out once the fire is fully extinguished. The incident has also raised concerns over industrial safety measures, particularly regarding the storage and handling of flammable materials.