Dahisar: A Syro Malabar church in Dahisar near Mumbai suffered serious damage after a short circuit caused a fire on Thursday.
No injuries were reported but church property including the altar, paintings, chairs and carpet was destroyed. Church authorities estimate the loss at Rs 1 crore. St George Church, affiliated to the Syrian Malabar Orthodox Church, is located at Riverside, Dahisar.
Vicar V Rev. Yaunan Mulamoottil said, “Around noon our sexton noticed flames behind the altar. The fire soon spread and destroyed the interiors. No one was hurt. But we lost the altar, paintings, furniture and upholstery.”
The fire brigade got a call at 12.15pm and arrived in 10 minutes. “Three fire engines and two tankers were sent,” said an official.
Church trustee Sanjeev John said, “We will approach other Syro Malabar churches for help to rebuild the interiors.”