Massive fire engulfs Banyan Tree opposite Ellora

Chhatrapati Samnbhajinagar

A massive banyan tree on the highway opposite the Ellora caves caught fire at around 8 pm on Saturday, briefly disrupting traffic. No casualties were reported.

Police Patil Ramesh Dhiware immediately called the fire brigade and water tankers. The fire is suspected to have been caused by dry leaves, discarded waste or a lit bidi or cigarette. Firefighters and locals brought the blaze under control within an hour. Khultabad police, state highway police, forest and archaeological department officials rushed to the spot and restored traffic. The incident has raised concern among tourists, with demands for the administration to take appropriate precautions.