AGARTALA, October 28 (TIWN): Private owned SSS steel furniture factory at Bordowali area of the city was gutted in a massive fire that broke out at 9:30 am and kept smoldering till 11 am on Tuesday. However, loss of life was averted but goods worth Rs. five lakh were gutted in the inferno, it is learnt.The fire was detected in right corner of the factory at about 9:30 am. Five fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames. Civil officials accompanied by Police officials reached to the spot and oversaw fire-fighting operations for nearly an hour. Although there was no report of any causality, there was panic in the area because just in front of the factory Rajdhani Petrol Pump exists.At around 9:30 am, some workers saw smoke blowing from the factory. They immediately informed the locals who rushed to the factory and informed the fire service about the incident. Three fire fighters arrived on the scene immediately. Considering the intensity of the fire, Police and traffic were rushed to the spot to assist the fire fighting operation belated.

According to the eyewitnesses, the fire probably broke out due to short circuit in the factory. But Fire department officials, who refrained from making any comment said, “The cause of the fire is still unknown”.