Watch | Massive fire breaks out in India’s Bhopal at Satpura Bhawan building

A massive fire broke out in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s capital city of Bhopal, on Monday (June 12). According to reports, the fire has now spread to the Satpura Bhawan’s sixth floor from the third floor. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and sought the help of the Indian Air Force. Indian Army troops are already present on the scene.

Notably, the building, Satpura Bhawan, is home to various departments of the Madhya Pradesh government. The city's Municipal Corporation's Fire Officer Ramesh Neel said that the fire broke out at around 4:00 pm (local time) and fire tenders rushed to the spot.

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What happened?

The building in question is also located in front of the state government secretariat building Vallabh Bhawan. The cause of the fire remains unknown and an investigation into the incident is underway, said Neel. He added, “Furniture and documents are prima facie destroyed in the fire.”

Speaking about the incident, the in-charge of the local police station, RK Singh said, “A fire broke out on the third floor of Satpura Bhawan. No casualties were reported as the staff working there immediately rushed out of the office.”

He added, “15 fire tenders are present here at the spot to douse the fire. 50 per centof the fire is under control. The reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained."

Speaking to the news agency, the Police Commissioner of Bhopal, Harinarayan Chari Mishra said that the fire “suddenly broke out on the sixth floor” and has been extinguished over a large area, and only a few areas remain. The fire was first said to be on the third floor which is the office of the Tribal Welfare Department and the Health Department.

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Indian Air Force aircraft to help douse the fire

In line with the MP CM’s request, the Indian defence minister will reportedly send IAF’s AN 32 and Mi-15 aircraft later tonight to help douse the fire. The CM has also informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident and thanked him for the efforts of multiple departments of the central government.

The State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) team were also reported to be also present on the spot along with fire brigade teams of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

(With inputs from agencies)

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