Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
At least 35 to 40 shops were gutted in a major fire at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station late Sunday night, causing extensive damage to the commercial establishment, officials said on Monday.
The fire broke out at around 10.30 pm on Sunday and continued for nearly five hours before being brought under control at around 3.15 am on Monday. No casualties were reported.
Officials said most of the affected shops dealt in food supplies, dry fruits and blankets. The exact extent of the losses is yet to be assessed.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit in one of the shops may have triggered the blaze, which quickly spread to adjoining establishments. Strong winds reportedly further fuelled the flames.
Firefighters faced difficulties in reaching the affected shops due to the narrow approach to the market. Emergency teams had to tackle the blaze from the rear side of the market to bring it under control and prevent it from spreading to other establishments.
BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said around 35 to 40 shops had been completely gutted. He added that the market also housed eateries and dhabas, apart from shops selling dry fruits and blankets.
Randhawa said the issue of compensation for the affected traders would be taken up with the administration after the situation was brought under control.
The cause of the fire and the total financial losses are yet to be officially established.
