Fire ravages revolving restaurant in Panchkula

A major fire, suspected to have been caused by a short-circuit, broke out Aasma Revolving Restaurant in Amravati Enclave near Kalka-Shimla national highway in Panchkula on Friday morning.

There were around six employees in the restaurant, located on the 11th floor, when the fire started. But they rushed out to safety without being hurt. Guests at a hotel in building also managed to escape to safety.

Thick plume of black smoke rose from the eatery, touted to be the first revolving restaurant in Haryana. As many as six fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze was controlled within 30 minutes.

Fire fighters said the false ceiling caught fire, causing the most damage. To ensure that water does not seep in, water proofing was done, which caused more smoke.

Managing director of Amravati Enclave, Kulbhushan Goyal, who also Panchkula’s mayor, said the false ceiling as well as the kitchenware were destroyed in the fire.

“We got a call about the fire at 10.14 am and soon fire tenders from all fire stations were pressed into service. The fire was controlled within 30 minutes but the smoke kept billowing from the establishment,” said Tarsem Singh, chief fire officer at the Sector 5 fire station, Panchkula.

“Though a hydraulic fire tender with a ladder was available, it was not used in the rescue operation. Firemen went to the 11th floor using the stairs,” he added.