Fire breaks out at e-vehicle showroom in Bengaluru; 20-year-old employee killed

Bengaluru: A 26-year-old employee at an electric vehicle showroom in northern Bengaluru died on Tuesday following a massive fire, police said.

The deceased Priya, a resident of Okalipuram who worked at My EV Store as an accountant for the last three years, had rushed into a small cabin and closed the door when the fire began to spread and could not find a way out, the police said.

The control room of fire and emergency services received the alert of the blaze at the building near Navrang Bar Junction on Dr Raj Kumar Road at 5.36 pm.

“Three fire tenders were deployed at 5.37 pm,” a firefighter said.

A senior police officer confirmed that Priya’s body was recovered from the debris after the fire was doused at around 6.40 pm.

“It is suspected that a short-circuit triggered the fire. The batteries reportedly started exploding leading to a blaze spreading quickly and the room was engulfed with smoke,” the officer said.

Of the six, who managed to escape, one suffered minor burn injuries. “They are being treated at a hospital as some had difficulties breathing due to the smoke,” an officer said.

Over 20 EVs inside the showroom were charred, sources in the fire department said, quoting a preliminary incident report. They added that prima facie it appeared that adequate safety measures were not followed.

“Fire officials have been informed that there were no extinguishers in the building. An investigation has been launched and a case has been registered at the Rajajinagar police station for death due to negligence,” a senior officer said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Saidulu Adavath visited the area and inspected the spot.

Priya’s father Arumugam said that she had been working there for three years as an accountant.

“It was her birthday on November 20. I don’t understand what is happening. She left the house in the morning after having breakfast and speaking with us. She used to come home around 7 to 7.15 pm. I came here after my friend called. The owner also didn’t inform me,” the distressed father told the media.