Fire breaks out at vote counting centre in Andhra Pradesh
One of the counting centers in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati town engulfed in flames Monday night. The incident was reported from an engineering college on the outskirts of the town, where officials had set up tables and made other arrangements for counting of votes on May 23.
Firefighters were called and the blaze was brought under control.
The cause of the fire is believed to be a short circuit.
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As the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were stored in a strong room in a nearby building, the incident sent panic among officials.
However, the officials said the fire did not spread to strong room and the EVMs were safe. District Collector PS Pradyumna and Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil visited the counting center.
Votes polled in April 11 elections to Andhra Pradesh Assembly and Lok Sabha are scheduled to be counted on May 23.
