Massive fire at Bansan Wala Bazar in Amritsar

AMRITSAR : A massive fire broke out at Bansan Wala Bazaar in the Rambagh area on Thursday evening. As the market is known for manufacturing and selling bamboo ladders and other bamboo products, highly combustible materials, the fire spread rapidly to adjoining shops.Within minutes, huge flames rising several feet high engulfed the area, triggering panic among shopkeepers and local residents. Thick smoke billowing from the blaze could be seen from a considerable distance.According to reports, a specially abled shopkeeper, who owned a bamboo products shop in the market, was burnt alive after he was unable to escape in time and became trapped in the flames.The blaze was so intense that it created panic among nearby traders and residents. Upon receiving information, several fire brigade vehicles rushed to the spot and launched efforts to bring the fire under control. Teams from the concerned departments also reached the site. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained.Heavy financial losses are feared as large quantities of goods stored in the market were destroyed in the fire.Locals claimed that nearly 20 to 25 shops in the market were completely gutted in the blaze.