On July 25, 2025, at 2:55 AM, a fire broke out at a tea and snacks shop near Gurudev Nagar Chowk, Nagpur, due to an electrical short circuit. Firefighters arrived within five minutes and contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby shops. Equipment worth around ₹4 lakh, including freezers and a laptop, was destroyed. No injuries were reported, and a police case has been registered.
The fire was intense but limited to the tea shop, where various electrical appliances had reportedly been left plugged in. Among the damaged equipment were:
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2 Deep freezers
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Multiple induction cookers
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One Apple MacBook laptop
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Furniture, kitchenware, and commercial utensils
Though there were no human casualties or injuries, the property loss was estimated to be around ₹4 lakh, primarily due to the destruction of expensive electronic appliances and commercial cooking tools. Cooling operations continued until 4:45 AM, ensuring no re-ignition risk.
A police case has been registered, and officials are also reviewing the shop’s electrical setup and load capacity. There are concerns that improper wiring and absence of surge protection might have contributed to the incident.
Eyewitness and Local Reactions
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Nimje, the resident who first spotted the fire, described it starting with visible sparks and smoke near the shop shutter. He rushed to call emergency services, aiding early response efforts.
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Local witnesses helped evacuate adjacent premises and moved portable items to safety, assisting firefighters in limiting the spread.
Lessons & Preventive Measures:
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Electrical Overload Warning: Never keep commercial appliances like deep freezers and cooktops plugged in overnight without surge guards.
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Maintenance: Fire authorities urge local shopkeepers to conduct monthly wiring checks.
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Emergency Training: Neighbors and guards appreciated for alertness—called emergency services within a minute of smoke being seen.
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Fire Safety Campaign: Nagpur Municipal Corporation to launch a drive on small commercial establishments’ electrical safety by August 2025.
Conclusion:
The fire incident at Delhi Chai Culture in Nagpur is a textbook example of how quick response by alert citizens and well-equipped fire crews can prevent a local accident from becoming a city-level disaster. Although no one was injured, the loss of ₹4 lakh serves as a strong reminder that electrical safety in small businesses cannot be overlooked. Fire officials have announced planned inspections of similar tea stalls and eateries across Nagpur starting next week.
