A fire at a shed used by private tourism boat operators in Puducherry’s Vambakeerapalayam area destroyed facilities belonging to six companies, prompting a firefighting response and a preliminary police inquiry into the cause.
The shed was used by government-authorised private boats that carry tourists into the sea for sightseeing. It also provided a waiting area for visitors and stored items used for boat operations, including mooring ropes and life jackets.
The fire broke out suddenly at the facility, sending smoke and flames into the area. Members of the public who noticed the blaze informed the Odiansalai fire station. Firefighters worked to bring the incident under control, and the fire was contained after about an hour.
According to the preliminary inquiry conducted by Odiansalai police, sparks from fireworks fell on the shed and are believed to have started the fire. The account is based on the initial investigation and does not indicate that a final fire-cause report has been issued.
The destruction affects six boat companies operating from the tourism facility. The source report did not specify whether any person was injured, the number of boats damaged, or the value of the property and equipment lost in the fire.
The incident also involved a facility where visitor-support infrastructure and life-saving equipment were stored alongside materials used to secure boats. Further operational decisions regarding the affected tourism boats and the damaged sheds were not stated in the report.
