Fire breaks out at Kumarapalayam spinning mill

NAMAKKAL: A fire broke out at a spinning mill in Kumarapalayam Hi-Tech Textile Park in Aruvankadu on Sunday night, destroying cotton bales and machinery worth around Rs 30 lakh.The blaze was triggered by a short circuit in a motor used for lifting cotton waste at the spinning mill owned by S Palanisamy, according to police. Sparks from the motor quickly spread to nearby cotton bales, engulfing the unit in flames.Workers present at the site alerted the fire and rescue services. Two fire tenders -- one each from Veppadai and Kumarapalayam -- rushed to the spot and battled the flames for more than two hours before bringing the situation under control. Large quantities of cotton stock and several machines were destroyed.“The fire spread so fast that we could not save anything,” said a fire and rescue officer. A worker at the mill added, “We were terrified. Cotton burns like dry leaves. Once it catches fire, nothing can stop it.”Kumarapalayam police registered a case. Officials said preliminary estimates put the damage at around ₹30 lakh, though a detailed assessment was still under way.The textile park houses more than 20 weaving units and 30 spinning mills.