A massive fire broke out at the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) warehouse in Pulikeezh on Tuesday night, destroying liquor worth crores of rupees.

Officials said the fire, which broke out around 8.15 p.m., gutted a significant portion of the warehouse.

Seven fire engines were deployed to the site to control the blaze. Despite relentless efforts for over an hour, the fire could not be brought under control and a large section of the facility was reduced to ashes.

The fire caused small explosions with the burning of liquor bottles. A distillery producing Jawan brand liquor is situated close by.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. “An investigation into the cause will follow once the fire is fully extinguished,” said an official. Authorities are expected to assess the extent of the damage and initiate a detailed inquiry into the incident.

Firefighting operations continued at the site till late into the night