A massive fire broke out near the Mofussil Bus Stand on Mavoor Road in Kozhikode city in the evening of Sunday, May 18, causing extensive damage to several shops in a commercial complex. The fire, which originated from the third floor of the building housing Calicut Textiles, reportedly started around 5 pm and quickly spread to adjacent shops.
Despite rapid deployment of fire engines from four local stations, the flames soon engulfed the entire complex, destroying a substantial stock of garments and threatening nearby buildings. Within hours, additional fire units from neighbouring districts, including a crash tender from Karipur International Airport, were called in to assist the firefighting efforts. In total, units from over 12 fire stations were involved in the operation.
Over three and a half hours after the fire broke out, firefighters were still struggling to fully contain the flames, especially as they threatened to spread to adjacent structures. Officials have said that the fire has been partially brought under control.
Eyewitnesses said that thick plumes of smoke spread across the skyline, making it difficult for rescue personnel to reach upper storeys. Firefighters had to break windows to gain access to the most affected areas. Meanwhile, police personnel and emergency volunteers joined hands with the fire department to contain the blaze and secure the perimeter.
Authorities confirmed that all customers and staff had been safely evacuated from the building before the fire intensified. No injuries or casualties have been reported, a fact officials attributed to the relatively low footfall in the area due to it being a Sunday.
District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, who personally supervised the rescue and firefighting operations, said that instructions were issued for full mobilisation of fire services from across the district.
As a precautionary measure, shop owners in nearby buildings were advised to move inflammable items such as LPG cylinders to safer locations.