Firefighter killed while dousing fire at Kerala government godown

Thiruvananthapuram (IANS) | A 33-year-old firefighter died on Tuesday while dousing a massive fire that broke out at a godown of the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL) on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. KMSCL officials estimated the loss to be more than Rs one crore and the fire was completely brought under control after several hours.

Locals said that they started hearing terrible noises when they saw that the godown was on fire.

Fireman J.S. Ranjit reached the godown around 1.30 pm. A portion of the godown collapsed on top of him when it caught fire.

Though his companions took him to the hospital, he could not be saved.

Apart from medicines, there was a pile of chemicals in the godown.

However, KMSCL MD Jeevan Babu said that at present he does not suspect any foul play.

Babu said, investigation will be done and instructions have been given to segregate the chemicals kept in the godown.

Incidentally, a similar fire broke out at the KMSCL Kollam godown last week and caused a loss of Rs eight crore.

–IANS