BBC incurs Rs 152 Cr loss as 12 labs gutted in devastating fire

A massive fire broke out at the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC) on January 14 morning, causing extensive damage but fortunately resulting in no casualties.

- 

The devastating incident, which occurred at the Helix Biotech Park within the IBAB Campus in Electronics City Phase 1, reportedly destroyed as many as 12 research laboratories and recorded a total estimated loss of Rs 152 crore. BBC, a 50,000-square-foot facility situated on a 10-acre campus, operates under the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), Department of IT, BT and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.

The fire originated on the second floor of the building, which had recently been revamped to accommodate a greater number of startups. This entire floor was completely gutted, while significant damage extended to the first and ground floors due to interconnected HVAC lines. Critical common infrastructure, including the Bangalore Bio Bank, Cleanroom facility, Flow Cytometry units, HVAC systems, and AC units, was severely affected. Startups housed within the centre also experienced devastating losses, with damage to their consumables, intellectual property products, and proprietary equipment.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by improper management of flammable solvents in one of the laboratories. Despite prior advisories to limit the storage of inflammable chemicals and using a designated open storage area, the mishap occurred, spreading rapidly through the interconnected systems. A security guard noticed the fire and promptly alerted the fire department at around 4.30 am. Four fire engines, including an Aerial Ladder Platform from a private firm, managed to bring the fire under control by 8:30 a.m.