Around 500 two-wheelers were gutted after a fire broke out at the parking area of Thrissur railway station on Sunday, fire and rescue service officials said.

PTI quoted an official as saying the blaze erupted at the paid-parking shed at around 6:20 a.m., and a distress call was received at about 6:40 a.m. The reason for the fire is suspected to be a spark from an electric line that fell on a parked two-wheeler with a cover on it. The fire officials estimate that around 500 two-wheelers, parked in the shed, were gutted in the fire.

To control the fire, five fire tenders were deployed, and the blaze was brought under control by 7:45 am, an official said, adding that all measures were taken to prevent the fire from spreading to the railway station platforms.

Even though a locomotive was parked on the railway track near the spot where the fire accident occurred, the Railways has not confirmed any major damage to it, a PTI official said.

Besides the vehicles, the entire shed, covered with tin sheets, was damaged.

Thrissur West Police registered a case in connection with the fire incident and launched an investigation.

PTI quoted the FIR stating that around 500 two-wheelers were gutted in the fire, along with a parking fee printing machine belonging to Aswathy Enterprises, which holds the contract to operate the parking facility on the western side of the railway station.

The FIR also stated that two mobile phones belonging to employees of Aswathy Enterprises and Rs 10,000 in cash were also lost in the fire.

Following the incident, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar visited the spot and assessed the situation. “We have made a preliminary assessment based on the statements of employees at the parking area. A special team led by an Additional Superintendent of Police, including an Assistant Commissioner and Circle Inspectors, has been constituted," he told reporters.

He further said a decision has been taken to conduct fire audits at paid parking facilities across Kerala.

“The Superintendent of Police (Railway) has been tasked with this. He will examine the matter and submit a report. In addition, a joint effort will be made to enhance security apparatus involving local police, railway police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF)," Chandrasekhar said.

Revenue Minister K. Rajan also visited the spot and assessed the situation. He added that a thorough audit would be conducted to ensure such incidents do not occur again.