Fire on beach in midst of function

Cuddalore, June 28 (UNI) Tension prevailed for a while when a fire broke out in an entery put up at the beach here in connection with the summer festival, which was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister N Suresh Rajan today.

The incident occurred minutes after the festival was inaugurated by Mr Rajan in the presence of Adi Dravida Welfare Minister M R K Panneerselvam and District Collector Gagandeep Singh Bedi.

The shop was located about 500 m from the entrance, where the dignitaries were present.

About 60 stalls of various departments were put up at the beach and about 20,000 people were present at the beach when the fire broke out.

The thatched roof and banner erected atop the shop selling vegetable 'Bhajjis' and 'Bhel Puri' was gutted in the fire.

No one was injured as police and fire service personnel, who were stationed at the venue, doused the fire quickly.

UNI XR-GV SHR RAI2003