Fire breaks out in bed manufacturing unit during Diwali celebrations in Moonnilavu

ERATTUPETTA: A fire broke out in a bed manufacturing factory in Moonnilavu during Diwali celebrations. The incident took place at Vakakkad near Moonnilavu's Mechal around 7.40 pm on Sunday. A cocoa latex manufacturing factory was completely gutted. No casualties were reported. A national permit lorry carrying latex was also burnt.

The initial conclusion is that the fire broke out as part of Diwali celebrations by migrant workers. Firefighters from Erattupetta, Pala, Kanjirapalli, Kottayam, Changanassery and Pampady brought the fire under control.

Due to the collapse of the Kadapuzha bridge connecting Moonnilavu, large vehicles could not reach the accident site, hampering the rescue operation. Only three small vehicles of the fire force unit could reach the spot.

Efforts were also made to put out the fire under the leadership of the locals. Local residents led the rescue operation by pumping water from a nearby river with a motor. The fire was brought under control late at night.