A major fire erupted at a well-known sweet shop in the Bank More area of Dhanbad on Wednesday, causing panic among locals. The shop, located in front of the Central Gurudwara under the Bank More police station, was engulfed in flames early in the morning. Fire brigade personnel rushed to the scene and successfully brought the blaze under control after nearly two hours of relentless efforts.
Sequence of Events
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 7 am when smoke began billowing out of the shop. Within minutes, the flames spread rapidly, destroying all goods and equipment inside. Locals immediately alerted the fire department, prompting the dispatch of two fire tenders to the site.
Owner's Account
The shop owner, identified as Bablu, stated that the fire was caused by a short circuit. He expressed distress, saying, "All items stored inside the shop have been reduced to ashes. I have suffered a loss of approximately Rs 5 lakh." The owner's estimate highlights the severity of the damage inflicted on the establishment.
Alternative Theories
However, some local residents suggested that the fire might have originated from a gas cylinder leak while oil was being heated for cooking. They also raised concerns about large illegal stoves that were allegedly installed outside the shop on a regular basis, which they believe posed a serious threat to public safety. These claims have added a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Official Response
Fire officer Laxman Prasad confirmed that two fire engines were deployed and the blaze was brought under control after approximately two hours. He added that authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The area has been cordoned off to facilitate further inquiry.
This incident has left the local community in shock, with many calling for stricter safety measures in commercial establishments to prevent such occurrences in the future.
