Massive Blaze Devastates Oil Godown in Nelamangala, Bengaluru

Fire Accident In Nelamangala | ಅಗ್ನಿ ಅವಘಡ ಹೊತ್ತಿ ಉರಿದ ಗೋಡನ್

Bengaluru, May 13 - A major fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday at an oil storage godown in Edakemarnahalli village near Nelamangala, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and triggering a massive firefighting operation that lasted over six hours. The incident, which took place around 3:30 AM, has caused significant property damage and raised fresh concerns about fire safety compliance in industrial storage units handling highly flammable materials.

The affected facility, spread across a sprawling 5.5-acre compound, housed a 40,000-square-foot godown reportedly leased to a Shell-affiliated company for storing lubricants, engine oils, and grease. Owned by Krishnappa, the son of a former Karnataka minister, the warehouse was being used by a private firm involved in the supply and distribution of industrial oils and lubricants.

Swift Emergency Response

The Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services received the first alert at 3:32 AM. Ten fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the site. As the fire intensified, backup units from surrounding fire stations—including Peenya, Jalahalli, Yeshwanthpur, Rajajinagar, and even central Bengaluru—rushed to assist. In total, 22 fire tenders and over 300 personnel were deployed to battle the flames, which raged uncontrollably for several hours due to the highly flammable nature of the stored materials.

Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing loud popping noises, likely from exploding oil barrels, followed by rising smoke that could be seen from several kilometers away. Locals, fearing the spread of the fire, vacated nearby areas as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, the godown was unoccupied at the time, and no casualties or injuries were reported.

Preliminary Cause and Extent of Damage

While the exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation, preliminary reports from the fire department point towards a suspected short circuit as the likely trigger. Investigators from both the fire department and police forensic teams are now combing through the debris to determine whether safety lapses may have contributed to the scale of the fire.

The financial loss is estimated to be over ₹30 crore, with large stocks of lubricants and industrial oils completely destroyed in the blaze. The structural integrity of the godown itself has also been compromised, and officials have sealed off the area for safety assessments.

Questions Raised Over Safety Norms

The fire has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols followed in industrial godowns storing combustible materials. According to fire officials, the sheer intensity and speed at which the fire spread indicate that adequate fire suppression systems may not have been in place or were ineffective.

An official from the Fire and Emergency Services Department stated, “Warehouses dealing with oil-based products must follow strict safety regulations, including installation of fire suppression systems and regular audits. We will be investigating whether the facility adhered to these norms.”

Community Impact and Government Response

While there was no immediate threat to residential areas, the fire's visibility and magnitude have sparked anxiety among residents of Edakemarnahalli and surrounding localities. Many voiced concerns about the proximity of such hazardous storage units to inhabited areas.

Bengaluru Rural District authorities have assured a thorough investigation and promised that strict action will be taken if any negligence is found. “We will not tolerate any violation of safety codes, especially when public safety is at stake,” said a senior district official.

The Karnataka Pollution Control Board is also expected to assess the environmental impact of the fire, particularly concerning air and groundwater pollution due to chemical runoff and smoke dispersion.

Looking Ahead

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with storing flammable materials without robust safety infrastructure. As the fire services bring the situation under control and cleanup begins, it is crucial that regulatory agencies ensure such lapses do not recur.

For now, the residents of Nelamangala can breathe a sigh of relief, but the fire has reignited debates over industrial zoning, fire safety compliance, and the urgent need for reforms in how hazardous materials are stored and managed.

— Bangalore Beat News Desk