Thiruvananthapuram

A massive fire broke out at a New India Assurance office in Pappanamcode, Kerala, on Tuesday, killing at least two people. One of the victims was identified as Vyshna (35), an employee of the insurance company who had been managing the office alone for seven years. The other victim is believed to be a male customer, but his identity is still unknown.

The franchise office is on the first floor of a building in Pappanamcode. Locals reported hearing a loud noise before the fire erupted. The fire department received an alert around 1:30 p.m. and quickly sent two units from the Chenkalchoola fire station. The blaze has been extinguished, but cooling operations are ongoing.

Education Minister V. Sivankutty suggested a short circuit might have caused the fire, but the exact cause is still under investigation. The police are also exploring other angles, including potential personal issues involving Vyshna. The incident caused panic among nearby offices, and officials are working to reassure the public.