Patna : A major fire broke out at the Khemnichak vegetable market in Patna early on Thursday, destroying more than 50 shops and causing extensive damage to property. The blaze reportedly began shortly after 3 am and spread rapidly through the market, triggering panic among local residents and traders.
Around 10 to 15 fire tenders were dispatched to the spot after the incident was reported. Firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to neighbouring establishments.
The affected shops included businesses dealing in cosmetics, mobile phone repairs and other goods. Several motorcycles parked in the market were also reportedly caught in the fire. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
Fire Spreads Rapidly Through Market
According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread quickly after breaking out in the early hours, engulfing one shop after another.
The flames grew rapidly, leaving traders with little time to salvage their stock and other belongings. The incident caused panic in the surrounding area as residents watched the fire spread through the market.
The destruction of more than 50 shops has caused significant concern among traders, many of whom may face difficulties restarting their businesses.
Four Gas Cylinders Reportedly Explode At Makeshift Eatery
During the fire, four gas cylinders reportedly exploded at a makeshift eatery operating inside the market. The explosions added to the panic at the scene, with the sound of the blasts and the rising flames alarming people in the surrounding area.
Several motorcycles parked nearby were also reportedly damaged in the blaze. Authorities have yet to establish the complete number of damaged vehicles and the total extent of the property loss.
Firefighters Bring Blaze Under Control
Fire department teams rushed to the market after receiving information about the incident. Between 10 and 15 fire tenders were reportedly deployed to tackle the blaze.
Firefighters battled the flames for around an hour before bringing the situation under control, according to the report.
However, more than 50 shops had already been gutted by the time the fire was extinguished. Traders subsequently began assessing the damage to their establishments and the goods stored inside.
Traders Face Heavy Financial Losses
The fire has caused substantial losses for businesses operating in the market. Goods, shop equipment and other commercial assets were reportedly destroyed.
The incident has raised concerns about the livelihoods of affected traders, particularly those whose shops and merchandise were completely gutted. The overall financial loss has not yet been officially determined.
Cause Of Fire Yet To Be Established
The cause of the fire remains unknown. An assessment of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the incident is still awaited.
Further investigation will be required to establish how the fire started and what caused it to spread so quickly across the market.
The incident has also renewed questions about fire safety arrangements in densely packed commercial areas, where a blaze can spread rapidly between adjoining shops.
