THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Fire broke out at a shop that illegally sold petrol. The incident occurred at around 8:30 am in Chullimanoor near Nedumangad. The fire broke out in a shop owned by Khalid, a native of Kochattukal.

The preliminary conclusions suggest that the accident was caused by a short circuit, following which a gas cylinder inside the shop exploded. The fire later spread to the petrol and other nearby shops. A huge disaster was averted due to the timely intervention of the fire force.

The fire force units from Vithura and Nedumangad had arrived at the spot. No casualties were reported. Khalid had sold petrol illegally under the guise of selling spare parts. The police said that a case would be registered against him.