Devastating Fire Destroys 65 Shops at Fatehpur Firecracker Market in UP: Losses in Crores

Panic seized the firecracker market as vendors and shoppers rushed to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

Kanpur:

A devastating fire swept through a temporary firecracker market located at MG College grounds in Fatehpur on Sunday, destroying over 65 shops and numerous two-wheelers, according to official reports.

Fireworks valued at several crores of rupees were completely destroyed in the blaze, with multiple individuals suffering minor burn injuries during the incident.

Witnesses reported that the fire originated around 12:30 pm at one stall, reportedly caused by an electrical short-circuit. The flames quickly engulfed adjacent stalls stocked with fireworks, setting off numerous explosions in rapid succession.

The market was thrown into chaos as both merchants and customers frantically sought safety, while dense smoke billowed high above the scene.

Fatehpur Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar Singh confirmed that no fatalities have been reported in the incident.

"Our primary focus remains on completely extinguishing the fire. We are investigating the cause, and those found negligent will face strict consequences," stated the SP.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Jaiveer Singh explained that the entire marketplace was consumed by flames within just 15 to 20 minutes.

"Approximately 65-70 shops and more than two dozen motorcycles and scooters have been completely destroyed. Fortunately, we have no reports of casualties thus far," he said.

Emergency responders utilized sand, water buckets, and fire extinguishers to battle the blaze, according to officials.

Vendors at the market alleged that fire engines arrived nearly 20 minutes after the fire started, despite the fire station being located merely 200 meters from the market.

"The temporary market had only been operating for half an hour. Within 15 minutes, everything was destroyed. We barely escaped with our lives," recounted Satish, a vendor from the area.

Another shopkeeper lamented that she had invested Rs 8 lakh in her stall, and all merchandise was now completely destroyed.

District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, who arrived at the scene alongside the SP, stated, "An investigation has been ordered to determine the precise cause of the fire and evaluate the extent of damages. Those found negligent will face strict action."

Meanwhile, BJP district president Mukhlal Pal described the incident as "unfortunate" and demanded accountability for the alleged delayed response.

Authorities have promised to provide all possible assistance to the affected shopkeepers.