Kozhikode: A fire that broke out on Sunday evening at the Mofuzil bus-stand complex in Kozhikode has paralysed the city’s traffic network for hours.

The blaze, which started around 5 pm in the Calicut Textiles store on the third floor, forced officials to halt all bus operations at the new stand and divert vehicles that normally loop through the terminal.

Because the incident coincided with a holiday, large crowds had already driven into town to visit the beach and other leisure spots. When firefighters cordoned off the area, cars returning from the beach and Mananchira were funnelled into narrow alternate routes, creating an unbroken line of stalled traffic. Honking, confusion and thick smoke quickly filled the city centre.

Long-distance passengers were stranded after every bus parked in the terminal was towed outside for safety. Private services have been truncated to the KSRTC stand, while eight fire-brigade units battle flames that continue to spread through adjoining rooms two-and-a-half hours after ignition. The blanket of black smoke has slowed rescue equipment: even additional water tenders struggled to reach the building through the jam.

Police have urged motorists to stay clear of Mavoor Road and the surrounding corridors until further notice. For real-time routing assistance, the control room is available at 0495-2721831.