More than 15 shops and a hotel were reduced to ashes after a massive fire engulfed Shiva Market near Jammu Railway Station on Sunday night.
Fire and emergency services rushed to the spot upon receiving information and launched a firefighting operation. Hundreds of shopkeepers are estimated to have lost their livelihoods in the fire as their businesses were reduced to ashes. However, the blaze was so intense that it spread rapidly, burning shops within minutes. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Panic gripped the area as shopkeepers and locals rushed to salvage whatever they could. Senior police and civil administration officials also reached the spot. The fire was brought under control after several hours of operation.
Eyewitnesses told NDTV that the fire may have been the result of a short circuit, but none of them could confirm the source of the blaze. Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out suddenly and engulfed the entire market before anyone could react.
