Thatched houses gutted in Pondy fire

Pondicherry, July 27: Over 100 thatched houses were gutted in a fire that broke out at Davidpet in Ouppalam Constituency here in the early hours of today.

According to fire service sources, the fire broke out in a house at 0300 hrs and soon spread to adjoining houses within no time forcing residents to flee leaving behind their belongings.

Several goats and hens perished in the blaze. The fire was said to have been caused by an electrical short-circuit and the loss is estimated to run into several lakhs of rupees.

The affected were accomodated in community halls and steps taken to provide relief to them. Ouppalam MLA A Anbazhagan rushed to the spot and consoled the affected.

UNI