Search the Internet           Tips

Fire destroys GPO building in Madras

A devastating fire that raged for over five hours Sunday night, destroyed the 18th century building housing the general post office in Madras.

The fire, which caused no human casualties, was brought under control around 5.30 am on Monday.

Over 50 fire tenders, backed by several water tankers, battled the flames, which gutted the sections housing the savings account wing, treasury, stores, sales and service counters, besides the central telegraph office.

State Fire Services Director S Ramani told PTI that the fire was probably caused by an electrical short circuit. It was first noticed by a watchman on the ground floor.

Ramani said he was not sure if the fire safety measures in the building were up-to-date.

A huge crowd had gathered at the spot watching the flames devour the vintage building, one of Madras' landmarks.

The fire-fighters deployed both their giant snorkels, but the bouncing flames seemed to move out of the reach of the hoses operating from the sky-lifts.

Initially operating from different sides of the building, both the snorkels were later moved to the rear from where much of the devastation could be seen.

Principal Chief Post Master General A V B Menon and Post Master General Vatsala Raghavan were among those present at the spot.

Besides furniture, computers, telegraph and telex equipment, postal material, stationery and postal savings certificates were lost in the fire, staff members said.

PTI

Tell us what you think of this report