Loss Estimated at Rs 50 Crore in Kozhikode Textile Showroom Fire

Kozhikode: Goods worth around Rs 50 crore were destroyed in the major fire that gutted Jayalakshmi Silks near the Kozhikode railway station, police said on Wednesday.

The blaze had broken out on Tuesday evening in the three-storey showroom and was brought under control after several hours of firefighting. Multiple fire tenders were deployed to contain the flames, which spread quickly to the upper floors.

According to a complaint filed by the management, the estimated loss stands at Rs 50 crore. Showroom owner Govind Kamat said the damage this time was far greater than the fire incident in 2023. On April 1, 2023, a fire had broken out on the third floor of the same building, affecting only one floor.

“At that time, only one floor was damaged. This time, two floors were affected,” Govind Kamat said.

He said the fire is believed to have started in a room where additional stock was stored. The smoke was not noticed immediately. “By the time staff traced it to that room, the fire had already spread and could not be controlled,” he said.

Govind Kamat added that the exact cause is yet to be confirmed, though he suspects a short circuit. Fire officials said the blaze started around 6 pm and spread rapidly within minutes.

No casualties were reported as the occupants were evacuated soon after the fire was detected. Thick smoke engulfed the building, and several glass panes shattered due to the intense heat, which initially hampered firefighting operations.

A detailed inquiry is expected to determine the exact cause of the fire.