Massive Fire Ravages Sukhasagar Metro Mall in Hubballi; Goods Burnt to Ashes, No Casualties Reported
Hubballi, Karnataka: A massive fire broke out in the Sukhasagar Metro Mall located in Maratha Galli, Hubballi in the early hours of Thursday, reducing the top two floors of the commercial complex to ashes and destroying goods stored in multiple shops. While there were no reported injuries or casualties, the blaze caused significant property damage and prompted a large-scale firefighting operation by local authorities.
The fire is believed to have originated on the fourth floor of the five-storey mall before spreading rapidly to the fifth floor, engulfing both levels in flames. Each floor affected by the blaze covered an area of approximately 4,000–5,000 square feet, with furniture, clothing inventory and other merchandise completely destroyed.
According to preliminary information from the Hubballi–Dharwad Police Commissioner, the fire is suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, although officials noted that the exact cause will be determined after a detailed investigation. Local eyewitness accounts also pointed to an electrical fault as a possible spark for the blaze, but no official confirmation has yet been issued.
Firefighting Efforts and Response
Firefighters were alerted soon after the inferno broke out, and multiple fire engines and emergency response vehicles were dispatched to the scene. Due to the height of the blaze — with flames reaching 40 to 50 feet above ground — additional firefighting resources were brought in from surrounding areas to strengthen efforts to contain the fire.
Teams from the Fire and Emergency Services, along with police personnel, battled the blaze for several hours in an attempt to control the intense heat and prevent further spread. The structural design of the mall, with closely positioned commercial units and limited ventilation, presented additional challenges for firefighters working to extinguish the fire.
Despite the scale and ferocity of the fire, authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported so far. Mall employees, shopkeepers, and visitors had reportedly left for the day before the fire started, which helped avert a potentially more tragic outcome.
Damage to Goods and Property at Sukhasagar
The fire completely gutted the top two floors of the mall, destroying goods and merchandise across several outlets. Cloth stores and furniture shops on the affected floors bore the brunt of the blaze, with stock reduced entirely to burnt remnants. Local traders expressed shock at the extent of the loss, saying that entire inventories — including clothes, furniture, and fixtures — were lost before firefighters could fully bring the blaze under control.
Shop owners and employees gathered near the site in disbelief as the fire raged, sharing accounts of the rapid spread and watching helplessly as their possessions were consumed. Some reported hearing a sudden burst of sparks and smoke before flames erupted, reinforcing the suspicion of an electrical short circuit as the cause.
Police and Administration Action
Following the incident, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar visited the site to oversee the ongoing response and coordinate with firefighting teams. Police officers cordoned off the area to maintain public safety and ensure uninterrupted working conditions for the emergency personnel.
Authorities have also appealed to local residents and mall visitors to avoid the vicinity while the fire is still active and to allow emergency vehicles and fire tenders to operate without obstruction. Investigations are underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and assess the total extent of the property damage.
Safety, Preparedness and Community Reaction
The blaze at Sukhasagar Metro Mall has prompted renewed attention to fire safety protocols in commercial establishments across Hubballi and the wider Karnataka region. Experts stress the importance of regular electrical inspections, functional fire-safety systems, and accessible emergency exits, particularly in multi-storey shopping complexes that draw large numbers of visitors.
Local residents and business owners expressed relief that no lives were lost, but many voiced concerns over potential financial losses and insurance challenges in the aftermath of the fire. “We can always rebuild, but it’s a miracle nobody was hurt,” one shopkeeper said.
As the firefighting effort continues and smoke gradually clears from the scene, officials are expected to release a more comprehensive report on the incident, including findings from early damage assessments and technical evaluations of the fire’s origin.
Also read: https://channel6network.com/albert-ekka/
