The Chennai Silks shop located in T.Nagar caught fire at 4.45 AM this morning (Wednesday, 31st May). The basement is ablaze. Even after several hours of fire-fighting, it has not been possible to quell the fire.
Heavy smoke continues to emanate. Due to the high-intensity heat generated by the fire, the glass panes in the shop are breaking.
As the basement is ablaze, there is a strong possibility of the foundation of the building to be in danger and becoming unstable.
The fire-fighting squad could not enter inside the shop. The shop employees have been safely evacuated. However, the fire still continues. It has been warned that people should not enter this area.
It is suspected that the foundation of the 7-storyed building may be affected by the intense fire and smoke.
Over 100 shops around this are have been closed for safety purposes. The employees of various shops residing in this area have been evacuated. The vehicles are being diverted to other routes.