A fire broke out at Manthena Satyanarayana Raju Ashram, also known as the Nature Cure Hospital, on the banks of the Krishna River in Venkatapalem village, Guntur district, on Tuesday. However, no casualties were reported.

“A major tragedy was averted as there were no patients in the physiotherapy centre when the accident occurred,” the villagers said.

The fire broke out at the physiotherapy centre and the green gym area at around 2 a.m. and spread to many sheds.

Upon receiving an alert, fire tenders from Mangalagiri and other fire stations rushed to the spot and doused the flames, said Regional Fire Officer (RFO) Jeelani.

“The exact reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained. Investigation is on,” said Guntur District Fire Officer (DFO) M. Srinivas Reddy after visiting the spot.

As the physiotherapy centre and gym centre were constructed with bamboo and other flammable material, and no fire preventive measures were in place, flames spread to other sheds rapidly, said a fireman who participated in the operation.

Published - August 18, 2026 06:37 pm IST