Massive Fire Guts 65 Shops at Crackers Market in UP’s Fatehpur; Losses Worth Crores, Several Injured

A massive fire broke out on Sunday afternoon at a temporary firecracker market set up on the MG College ground in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh. The blaze gutted over 65 shops and destroyed crackers worth several crores, according to officials.

🔥 Fire triggered by suspected short-circuit

The incident occurred around 12:30 PM, when a sudden spark — suspected to be caused by a short-circuit — ignited one of the stalls. The flames spread rapidly to adjoining stalls, all stocked with fireworks, triggering loud explosions and causing widespread panic among traders and shoppers.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as people ran for safety amid thick black smoke rising from the ground. Several two-wheelers parked nearby were also gutted in the fire.

🚒 Firefighting efforts and official response

Fatehpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Anoop Kumar Singh confirmed that no fatalities have been reported so far, though several people sustained minor burn injuries.

“Our priority is to bring the fire completely under control. The cause is under investigation, and strict action will be taken against those found negligent,” SP Singh said.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Jaiveer Singh stated that the fire engulfed the entire market within 15–20 minutes. “Around 65–70 shops and more than two dozen vehicles were completely destroyed. Fortunately, there are no casualties,” he said.

Firefighters used sand, water buckets, and extinguishers to douse the flames. The situation was brought under control after several hours.

⏰ Delayed response sparks outrage

Local traders alleged that fire tenders arrived nearly 20 minutes late, despite the fire station being just 200 metres away.

“The market had opened barely 30 minutes before the fire started. Within minutes, everything was gone. We escaped with our lives,” said Satish, a local vendor. Another shopkeeper said she lost merchandise worth ₹8 lakh, with nothing salvageable.

🕵️ Inquiry ordered, assistance promised

District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, who reached the spot with senior officials, announced an official inquiry into the incident. “An investigation will determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of losses. Strict action will follow if negligence is found,” he said.

BJP district president Mukhlal Pal termed the incident “unfortunate” and demanded accountability for the alleged delay in the fire department’s response.

Authorities have promised compensation and assistance for affected shopkeepers after loss assessment.

Originally published on newsworldstime.com.