Bantwal : An accidental fire in a building at Periyaladka Junction at Punacha in Bantwal,  gutted a telephone exchange and three shops in the early hours of May 2, Thursday. Sources said the loss has been estimated at nearly Rs 1 crore

Though the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, the fire was first noticed by the telephone exchange watchman Timmanna who rushed out on hearing a loud sound. Soon he saw the exchange building in flames and alerted the locals. Even the fire service department was informed.

But the fire soon spread to the nearby Lisa Fancy owned by Thomas DSouza, Anushree Home Products and Caterers and  Jalalia Hotel. The three shops incurred a loss of over Rs 2 lakhs.

It is learnt the LPG cylinders in the catering firm too burst  leaving the fire further raging.

The fire service personnel finally brought the fire under control. The building was owned by one UT Moosa Kunhi.

The Puttur fire service vehicles rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire.