Kollam, Dec 7 (NationPress) A significant fire erupted in the early hours of Sunday at Ashtamudi Lake in Kureepuzha, Kerala, resulting in the destruction of over ten fishing boats that were moored along the shoreline.

Although the incident caused substantial property damage, officials have confirmed that there were no injuries reported.

Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been sparked by an explosion from a cooking gas cylinder on one of the vessels. Local residents first spotted flames rising from the boats at approximately 1:30 AM. Within a short span of time, the fire spread swiftly through a cluster of around 14 boats anchored in a line. In a frantic effort to contain the flames, local inhabitants rushed to the scene, untying several burning vessels and pushing them into the lake.

Dramatic footage aired on television depicted multiple boats engulfed in roaring flames as they floated across the water. Six units from the Fire and Rescue Services were dispatched to the area. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, managing to gain control by around 7 AM.

Despite their prompt actions, at least nine traditional wooden boats and one fiber boat were completely destroyed, while a few others reportedly sank after incurring severe damage.

The Kollam District Collector, N. Devidas, visited the scene and called for a comprehensive investigation to determine the fire's exact cause and evaluate the total damage incurred.

In statements to the media, he noted that around ten boats, including one belonging to a local fisherman named Lawrance, were lost in the fire. Several of the affected boats were reportedly owned by fishermen from Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, who had temporarily anchored their boats at Kureepuzha while pausing their fishing activities ahead of the ongoing election.

Fire officials indicated that the exact cause of the fire has yet to be officially established. Nevertheless, local residents firmly believe that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the disaster.

Residents have also expressed concerns regarding inadequate infrastructure, alleging that poor road access in the area delayed the response time of fire units. They pointed out that this incident marks the third fire occurrence in the locality recently, raising serious safety concerns.

Meanwhile, affected fishermen are calling for immediate compensation from the government, asserting that the loss of their boats has severely impacted their livelihoods, plunging numerous families into financial hardship.