Chhindwara: Earlier today, a devastating fire erupted in the heart of Junnardev’s main market in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. The inferno was so fierce that its billowing smoke billowed up to two kilometres into the sky, causing panic among the residents. Promptly informed about the situation, 11 fire brigade vehicles were dispatched to the scene and battled the blaze relentlessly. Additionally, several teams from the municipality, MLA Sunil Uike, SDM Neha Soni, and the local police administration swiftly arrived on the scene to aid in firefighting efforts.
Preliminary reports indicate that 17 shops were tragically reduced to rubble in the incident. The estimated financial loss stands at around two crores. Meanwhile, the affected shop owners have fervently requested relief to help them recover from this substantial setback.
The main market is just a stone’s throw away from the Junnardev police station and houses various establishments, including ready-made clothing shops and grocers. The fire’s outbreak sent shockwaves throughout the city as the potential risk to residential and commercial properties loomed. The exact cause of the market fire remains under investigation, with a suspected electrical short circuit.
Notably, several courageous individuals climbed atop adjacent buildings to douse the flames with water, displaying commendable efforts to control the fire. Despite their brave endeavours, nearly 90 percent of the shop contents had already been consumed by the blaze. Families affected by this devastating incident, which occurred just before the festive season, are grappling with dire circumstances. They are now appealing to the administration for compensation, as the fire has wrought havoc on their livelihoods.