Massive fire guts 65 shops in Fatehpur firecracker market; losses worth crores reported


Daijiworld Media Network - Kanpur

Kanpur, Oct 19: A massive blaze broke out at a temporary firecracker market on MG College Ground in Fatehpur on Sunday afternoon, reducing more than 65 shops and dozens of two-wheelers to ashes. Firecrackers worth several crores were destroyed in the incident, officials said.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around 12.30 pm at one of the stalls, allegedly due to a short-circuit, and rapidly spread to adjoining shops stocked with fireworks, triggering a chain of loud explosions. Panic ensued as traders and customers ran for safety while thick smoke covered the sky.

Fatehpur SP Anoop Kumar Singh said that no casualties have been reported so far. “Our priority is to bring the fire completely under control. An investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against those found negligent,” he stated.

Chief Fire Officer Jaiveer Singh added that the entire market was engulfed within 15 to 20 minutes. “Around 65–70 stalls and over two dozen two-wheelers have been completely gutted. Fortunately, there have been no casualties,” he said.

Firefighters used sand, buckets of water, and extinguishers to douse the flames. However, shopkeepers alleged that fire tenders arrived nearly 20 minutes late, despite the fire station being located just 200 metres away.

“The market had started operations barely half an hour before the fire. Within minutes, everything turned to ashes,” said Satish, a local trader. Another shopkeeper said she lost merchandise worth Rs 8 lakh, her entire investment for the festive season.

District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, who inspected the site along with the SP, announced a probe to determine the cause of the fire and assess damages. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible for negligence,” he said.

BJP district president Mukhlal Pal termed the incident “unfortunate” and sought accountability for the alleged delay in response. Authorities have assured all possible assistance to the affected vendors.

  

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Title: Massive fire guts 65 shops in Fatehpur firecracker market; losses worth crores reported



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