Thrissur: Vehicle owners are raising concerns over compensation after a massive fire destroyed hundreds of motorcycles at the parking lot of Thrissur railway station. Many remain unsure about how to proceed with claims for their burnt vehicles.

How to seek compensation

Owners of the destroyed bikes can seek compensation through several channels. A civil case may be filed individually, naming the railway authorities and the contractor as defendants. Alternatively, a complaint can be lodged in the consumer court, which does not require producing full evidence as in civil proceedings and involves lower court costs.

If the destroyed vehicle was covered under full insurance, the owner can claim damage coverage. However, the insurer will compensate either the estimated insurance value or the market price, factoring in wear and tear, whichever is lower.

Advocate Francis Kurien suggests that filing jointly with other affected owners could help streamline the legal process and reduce financial expenses.

Massive fire at Thrissur railway station

The fire broke out on Sunday at around 6.30 am near the station’s second gate, destroying nearly 300 motorcycles. In addition to the bikes, an engine used for track inspection and pulling bogies was partially damaged.

Authorities suspect that a spark from a nearby power line may have triggered the fire in the parking lot. The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services has reportedly reached the same conclusion, while police investigations are ongoing. On Tuesday, the district forensic unit and scientific officers collected evidence from the site. An 18-member team, led by the Additional SP, is conducting a detailed probe.

On the same day, several bike owners approached Thrissur West Police Station to register complaints. Documenting the chassis, engine and vehicle numbers of all destroyed bikes is required. The remains of the vehicles need to be verified with their respective owners.

The process is likely to be challenging as many bikes have been burnt beyond recognition, and some parts, including engines, have vanished. While owners have not been allowed to enter the accident site, many are presuming the remains are their bikes based on original parking locations.