Kanpur Bank Fire: Short Circuit Sparks Early Morning Blaze, Documents Reduced to Ashes
A significant fire broke out in a bank located in the Kalyanpur area of Kanpur during the early hours of Saturday morning, causing substantial damage to the premises. The incident, which occurred due to a suspected short circuit, led to the destruction of furniture and several important bank documents, although the cash department remained secure.
Immediate Response and Firefighting Efforts
Passers-by first noticed the emergency when they observed a thick column of smoke and flames emanating from inside the bank building. They promptly alerted authorities by dialing the emergency number 112. Upon receiving the alert, the fire brigade and police personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to address the situation.
Firefighters encountered initial challenges in gaining access to the bank. They first broke the shutter and then proceeded to break a window to enter the premises. Through diligent efforts, they managed to bring the fire under control in approximately two hours, preventing further escalation of the damage.
Bank Operations and Preliminary Investigation
According to Niharika Singh Chauhan, the branch manager of Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank in Kalyanpur, the bank had been closed at 5 PM on Saturday prior to the incident. Notably, no security guard was posted at the bank during that time, which raised concerns about the lack of immediate oversight.
In a preliminary investigation conducted by bank officials, the cause of the fire appeared to be a short circuit. A formal report regarding the incident has been filed at the local police station to document the circumstances and initiate a thorough inquiry.
Impact and Ongoing Investigations
The fire resulted in the complete destruction of furniture and several crucial bank documents, which were burnt to ashes. However, the cash department of the bank remained unaffected and secure, mitigating potential financial losses. Bank employees, including the branch manager, arrived at the spot to assess the damage and coordinate with authorities.
Police are actively investigating the matter to determine the exact cause of the short circuit and to ensure that all safety protocols were followed. The incident highlights the importance of electrical safety measures in commercial establishments, especially during non-operational hours.
This fire incident in Kanpur serves as a reminder for banks and other institutions to regularly inspect their electrical systems and maintain adequate security measures to prevent such emergencies in the future.
