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A huge blaze tore through a temporary firework market at the MG College ground in Fatehpur on Sunday, completely gutting over 65 shops and destroying dozens of two-wheelers, officials confirmed. Fireworks valued at several crores of rupees were reduced to ashes, and several people sustained minor burn injuries in the inferno.

As per the eyewitnesses, the fire broke out around 12.30 pm at one of the cracker stalls, which was, reportedly, sparked by a short-circuit. The blaze rapidly spread to the adjoining stalls, all stocked with fireworks, triggering a series of loud explosions.

Fatehpur SP Anoop Kumar Singh said: "Our first priority is to bring the fire completely under control. The cause of the blaze is being investigated, and strict action will be taken against those found negligent," the SP stated.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Jaiveer Singh said the fire consumed the entire market within 15 to 20 minutes. "Around 65-70 shops and over two dozen two-wheelers have been completely gutted. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far," he added. Officials confirmed that firemen used sand, buckets of water, and extinguishers to tackle the blaze.

Vendors and shopkeepers, however, alleged that fire tenders took nearly 20 minutes to reach the scene, despite the fire station being only 200 metres away. "The temporary market became operational only half-an-hour earlier. Within 15 minutes, everything was gone. We barely managed to escape with our lives," said local trader Satish. Another shopkeeper lamented that she had invested ₹8 lakh into her stall, and now all the merchandise had been reduced to nothing.

District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, who rushed to the scene with the SP, confirmed that "An inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the losses. Strict action will be taken against those found negligent." Meanwhile, BJP district president Mukhlal Pal termed the incident "unfortunate" and demanded accountability for the alleged slow response. Authorities have assured all possible assistance will be provided to the affected shopkeepers.

 

Also read: CM Yogi orders tight security during festive celebrations