Fire and compressor blasts hit AC-fridge workshop in Nagpur's Lodhipura; councillor cites complaint

A major fire broke out at an AC and fridge repair workshop in the densely populated residential locality of Lodhipura, near Geetanjali Talkies Chowk on Central Avenue Road in Nagpur, at about 8:30 am on Sunday. Sounds of explosions from compressors caused alarm in the area. With residential buildings nearby, panic spread among people. The fire department brought the blaze under control after about two hours.

According to information received, cylinders of gas used in ACs and fridges were also kept in the workshop. Alongside fighting the fire, firefighters worked to move the cylinders out safely. Had the fire reached the cylinders, a major accident could have occurred.

Following the incident, questions are being raised about the functioning of the anti-encroachment department of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Local BJP councillor Sanjay Kumar Balpande claims that he had lodged a complaint against the workshop about four months ago.

The councillor has demanded strict action against the officials concerned. However, official confirmation of the action taken on the complaint and of the administration's role is yet to come.

The actual cause of the fire is not clear at present. The circumstances of the fire and the compressor explosions will emerge only after an investigation.