Bantwal: The telephone exchange of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) located in the heart of town at B C Road, witnessed an accidental fire on Sunday April 28 afternoon.

The locals informed the fire brigade when they saw flames engulfing the floors that housed BSNL telephone exchange.

The lone lady staff and the security men were admitted to hospital as they were suffocated by the thick smoke.

The fire was ignited owing to short circuit in an air-conditioner that was installed in OMC room at the telephone exchange.  The fire damaged a few electrical equipments and accessories, informed the fire fighters.

The town police registered a case in this regard.