A major fire broke out at Jayalakshmi Silks, a prominent textile showroom in Kozhikode near the railway station, on February 17, 2026, marking the second such incident at the site in three years. No casualties were reported, thanks to swift evacuation by staff and authorities.
Incident Details
The blaze started on an upper floor amid densely stocked fabrics, spreading rapidly and producing thick smoke that affected the busy commercial area on Kallai Road. Fire services from multiple stations deployed at least three engines, controlling the fire after over two hours despite challenges from narrow access roads hindering rear-side operations. Managing Director Govind Kamat noted post-2023 safety upgrades were in place, but a short circuit remains the suspected cause, pending investigation.
Previous Fire (2023)
In April 2023, a similar early-morning fire originated from a short circuit on the second floor, destroying festival-season stock, two parked cars, and causing around Rs 4 crore in losses. Firefighters battled for hours in the 7,000 sq ft building, highlighting ventilation and access issues common in Kozhikode’s older retail hubs. A preliminary probe ruled out mystery causes, with no injuries reported.
Safety Concerns
The recurrence has sparked worries over electrical infrastructure, storage in multi-storey buildings, and compliance in Kozhikode’s textile zone, where narrow roads and limited fire exits complicate responses. Local traders and residents question if 2023 lessons—like better prevention systems—were fully implemented, urging stricter inspections. Broader audits have previously flagged lapses in similar complexes, including absent alarms and blocked exits.
Read more at : https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/02/17/jayalakshmi-silks-kozhikode-fire-second-time-in-three-years-live.html