Jamshedpur: Fire broke out near the Kharkai River bridge under Bistupur police station limits on Wednesday, sending plumes of thick black smoke across the skyline and triggering panic among residents and commuters.
The blaze spread rapidly along the cables laid beside the bridge. Eyewitnesses noted that the flames directly impacted the cable wiring infrastructure, raising immediate concerns regarding the integrity of optical fiber lines operated by major telecom providers, including Jio, Airtel, and BSNL.
Internet Disruptions Reported
Following the incident, residents in the Bistupur and Adityapur areas reported fluctuations in internet speeds and intermittent communication service outages. While local users took to social media to complain about connectivity issues, telecom companies have yet to issue an official statement regarding the extent of the infrastructure damage.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
The origin of the fire remains unconfirmed. While some onlookers speculated that a short circuit in the wiring triggered the blaze, others pointed to dry vegetation and strong winds as factors that accelerated the spread. Local residents expressed frustration over the fire department’s response time, noting that the fire had already covered a significant stretch of the bridge before containment efforts began.
Administrative Response
District authorities confirmed that an assessment of the damage is currently underway. An inquiry has been ordered to determine if the fire was a result of a technical fault or external factors. Officials have advised the public to avoid the site while technical teams inspect the charred cables and work toward restoring any disrupted services.
