There was a massive fire reported in the vegetable market located on the GT Road in Dhariwal, Gurdaspur district, late at night. The fire caused a major damage to the market, turning everything into ashes and a huge loss of several lakhs. This loss includes the loss in property, storage units, raw vegetables etc. According to the initial reports by the traders all the losses combine and make up to 5-6 Lakh rupees.
A ruckus and state of panic was created among the local people seeing the massive blaze of fire and thick and smooth flames of fire around the market. As soon as the traders and locals were informed about the flames, they rushed to the spot and tried their best to control the blaze. However, the fire was so massive that it was extremely difficult for them to control the fire on their own so the fire brigade was called for.
According to the preliminary information gathered, the cause of fire is said to be via a short circuit in the electrical pole nearby the vegetable market. Due to the presence of electrical poles close to the market, sparks reportedly ignited flammable material, causing the fire to spread quickly across the vegetable stalls. Eyewitnesses said the fire grew larger within minutes, with towering flames covering the entire market area.
While talking to the people affected from the fire, there was, Vegetable Market President Deepak Kumar Rintu and trader Gulshan Kumar. They said that the shopkeepers had closed their businesses and returned home as usual. At around 1:15 a.m., they received information that a fire had broken out in the market. By the time they arrived, the blaze had already spread extensively. Deepak Kumar and other traders requested the district administration and Kadian constituency in-charge Roop Singh Sekhwan for financial assistance and compensation. They emphasized that around six to seven families earn their livelihood through these shops and are now facing a difficult situation after losing their stock and business assets overnight.
Authorities are expected to assess the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage. Meanwhile, local residents and traders have demanded improved electrical safety measures in the area to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The incident has once again highlighted the need for regular maintenance of electrical infrastructure and stronger fire safety arrangements in crowded market areas.
