A massive fire broke out after midnight on Monday at the British-era Grand Hotel in Shimla, reducing a portion to ashes. However, no casualties were reported, police said.
The hotel’s newly-renovated Mayo Block — a VVIP wing of Holiday Home, and was recently renovated and lavishly furnished — was completely destroyed in the fire. Since the building was under renovation, there was no guest at the time of the incident.
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According to reports, the fire broke out around 12.50 am and a police patrol informed the fire station.
Shimla Deputy Commissioner Rajeshwar Goel told IANS that nearby buildings were safe and the fire was brought under control.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
The Grand Hotel, located in the vicinity of famous Kali Bari temple, close to Scandal Point, was constructed in British times.
Fire tenders were rushed from the Mall Road, Chhota Shimla, and Boileaugang fire stations, but a shortage of water hampered the operations as there was no pressure in the hydrants, according to reports.
The fire was finally brought control around 3 am.
(With agency inputs)