A big fire erupted at around 6 a.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in the motorcycle parking area behind Thrissur Railway Station, near the second platform. Smoke could be seen from kilometres away. Fire and rescue teams from Thrissur and nearby areas rushed to the scene and worked hard to control the blaze. The fire spread to a large tree beside the platform. Police blocked traffic on nearby roads, cut electricity in the area, and evacuated local residents. According to Southern Railway, “The fire was doused within half an hour by mobilising and deploying fire tenders. Few two-wheelers burnt. No causality or injury. Though cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, initial reports indicate that the fire started from one of the parked two-wheeler vehicle and spread to other vehicles. Train services were also not affected due to the incident.” The parking shed, covered with an iron-sheet roof, was completely destroyed. Firefighters found it tough to spray water directly because of the shed's design, so they worked from the sides and ventilation gaps. Explosions from motorcycle fuel tanks created fiery fireballs, increasing danger for the rescue team. The station’s ticket counter at the second gate was totally destroyed, and a stationary train engine caught fire but was safely moved away. Other vehicles parked nearby were quickly removed to stop more damage. Two women staff working at the parking counter escaped safely. Approximately 500 motorcycles were parked inside the shed Sunday morning, and all were likely destroyed. Officials said the number was less because it was Sunday; usually up to 1,000 bikes park there. Mallika, a parking employee, said, “I noticed smoke rising suddenly and tried to douse the flames with water, but it didn’t help. I called out to passersby for help. By then, the fuel tank exploded and the fire spread quickly. I ran out to save myself.” A commuter shared, “By the time I rushed back, the fire had already engulfed the entire area.” The fire might have started from sparks or flames falling from overhead railway lines onto a covered bike. A full investigation is ongoing. Firefighters kept working for hours under alert due to more explosions risk.