Fire Breaks Out in Control Servo Panel at Vishal Mega Mart in Mandi; Major Accident Averted

Mandi, May 2: A potential disaster was narrowly averted on Friday morning when a fire broke out due to a short circuit at Vishal Mega Mart, located in the Ramnagar ward of Mandi town. The fire originated in the control servo panel situated on the fourth floor of the building and was quickly brought under control.

Around 10 a.m., the store experienced a sudden power outage. Security personnel Yograj went to inspect the control servo panel on the fourth floor and discovered it engulfed in flames. He immediately alerted the store manager, who promptly began efforts to contain the fire using in-house fire safety equipment while simultaneously informing the fire department.

A fire brigade team arrived within five minutes and swiftly brought the situation under control. According to initial estimates, the servo panel—responsible for managing the entire store’s electrical system—was completely destroyed, with damages valued between ₹4 to ₹5 lakh.

Sub-Fire Officer Munish Kumar stated that thanks to the timely response, the fire did not spread further and was contained before it could cause significant damage.

Fortunately, the incident occurred in the morning hours, when customer footfall is relatively low. Had it taken place in the afternoon or evening—typically busy hours for the centrally located shopping complex—the consequences could have been far more serious.

Meanwhile, a police team also arrived on-site and has launched an investigation into the incident.