AGARTALA, February 17 (TIWN): One fast food center at Gurkhabasti area of the city was gutted in a massive fire that broke out at 2 pm and kept smoldering till 3 pm, here today. However, loss of life was averted but goods worth Rs. two lakh were gutted in the inferno, it is learnt.

The fire was detected in the kitchen of the fast food center at about 2 pm. Three fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames. Civil officials accompanied by Police officials reached to the spot and oversaw fire-fighting operations for nearly an hour. Although there was no report of any causality, there was panic in the area because three shops exists just nearby the fast food center.

At around 2 pm, one worker of the fast food center saw smoke bellowing from the kitchen. He immediately informed the other workers who rushed to the kitchen and informed the fire service about the incident. Three fire fighters arrived on the scene immediately. Considering the intensity of the fire, Police and traffic were rushed to the spot to assist the fire fighting operation belated.

According to the eyewitnesses, the fire probably broke out due to short circuit in the fast food center. But Fire department officials, who refrained from making any comment said, “The cause of the fire is still unknown”.