A sudden fire broke out in the workshop behind the showroom of Pioneer Toyota Agency in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area Phase-1 at around 7 pm on Sunday evening. Both the showroom and workshop were closed at the time of the accident. The fire rapidly grew severe and about 10 vehicles were burnt to ashes. A station in-charge, who was patrolling the area, saw smoke rising from the workshop and informed the fire department and
police control room. After receiving the information, six fire brigade vehicles reached the spot but found the showroom gate locked. Police officers broke the lock of the gate to allow the fire engines inside the premises. The manager and staff of the showroom also reached the spot after receiving reports of the fire and attempted to remove the vehicles parked inside the showroom and workshop. This further led to a stampede-like situation. Showroom staff were reportedly engaged in removing goods from the premises until late in the night. The fire department managed to bring the fire under control after a firefight that lasted one and a half hours. Jaspal Singh Bhullar, the SHO on the scene said that at 6:30 pm on Sunday evening, he saw black smoke rising after he finished patrolling.
