Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Panic spread on Sunday afternoon after a massive banyan tree near the MTDC parking area in front of the Ellora Caves caught fire. Fortunately, the prompt response of police personnel and local citizens helped bring the fire under control, averting a major mishap.
The tree suddenly caught fire around 3 pm. Due to intense heat and strong winds, the flames quickly intensified and began spreading to nearby dry leaves and smaller plants. The area is frequently used for parking tourist vehicles, increasing the risk.
Upon receiving information, police personnel from the Ellora caves outpost, including Pramod Salve, Javed Pathan, and Appasaheb Ingale, along with local residents Parvez Shah and Sachin Patil, rushed to the spot. A water tanker was called in, and the fire was successfully extinguished within about 20 minutes.
Notably, this banyan tree had caught fire earlier as well, raising concerns about safety measures in the area.