A massive fire broke out at a plastic manufacturing factory in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, triggering panic in the industrial area and prompting a large-scale firefighting operation, officials said on Saturday.
The incident occurred late in the evening when flames were suddenly noticed erupting from the factory premises. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly due to the highly inflammable nature of stored plastic materials, making it difficult for initial firefighting efforts to contain the blaze.
Fire tenders from multiple stations were rushed to the spot as thick smoke engulfed the surrounding area. Authorities said around 25 water tankers, along with several fire engines, were deployed to bring the situation under control. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours amid challenging conditions.
Officials said the intensity of the fire forced nearby factories and workers to evacuate as a precautionary measure. The industrial area remained tense as emergency teams worked continuously to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent units.
Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit could be the possible cause of the fire, although the exact reason will be confirmed only after a detailed investigation. Electrical experts and forensic teams are expected to examine the site once the fire is fully extinguished.
No casualties have been reported so far, but property worth several lakhs is feared to have been destroyed in the incident. Authorities said the full extent of the damage will be assessed after cooling operations are completed.
Senior fire department officials monitored the operation on the ground and coordinated with local administration to ensure adequate water supply and logistical support. Traffic movement in nearby areas was also temporarily restricted to allow emergency vehicles to operate smoothly.
Local residents expressed concern over safety standards in industrial units, especially those handling flammable materials. Officials assured that strict safety checks will be conducted in the area to prevent such incidents in the future.
The fire was eventually brought under partial control after sustained efforts, but cooling operations continued for several hours to prevent re-ignition. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident and have asked factory management to submit relevant safety and compliance records.