Fire at Express Avenue Mall, Chennai

Today, 23^rd Nov 2012, Chennai City’s famous mall – Express Avenue [popularly EA], situate near the old landmark – Royapettah Watch tower is attracting crowds for wrong reasons.

the facade of the mall - taken on a normal day morning

This noon, fire was noticed – thick smoke could be seen billowing out of the mall – even as cars were being evacuated.  Though not of any authenticity, the fire has affected a footwear showroom on the first floor. The cause of fire and how much it has spread is not known….

One felt that people / authorities are not exhibiting that seriousness that ought to be exhibited.  When there is fire, before investigating into its intensity, people should be evacuated, outsiders should not be allowed entry – all gates should be kept open allowing free passage of vehicles and persons inside to get out and go farther.

A group of curious onlookers were gathering around the mall gates – even as vehicles from the basement were slowly making a beeline towards the exit gates. Whether to appreciate their casualness and not reacting in panic or think that something is not properly practised !!!

Though not the first of the malls, Express Avenue, a big spacious shopping mall has come up in the place where once Express Gardens existed.  The Indian Express Group, once had all their publications housed here. 

The mall is built on a 10 acre site – has 4 floors of retail space, some eateries, cinema theatres, Big Bazaar and host of garment and footwear shops.  The mail has entries in Woods Road, Whites road and Patullos road and has 3 level basement parking.

Inaugurated in May 2010, this mall has become quite popular drawing huge crowds on holidays.  One can see people waiting outside in the morning even before the mall opens....

Eye witness state that the fire damage occurred to a shoe shop at First floor of the mall; the nearby Garment showroom was among many other stores which was affected by soot, heat and water used for extinguishing the fire.

[this post was updated more than a couple of times and hence a returning visitor might find some difference]

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.

photo sent by a friend of mine

one can see the billowing smoke and the fire tender at work

another photo taken from a different angle - sent by another friend