Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
A massive fire broke out on Thursday in the Bamboo Market located in the Rambagh area of Amritsar, triggering panic among traders and residents. Due to the presence of highly inflammable materials such as bamboo, wooden ladders, and other goods, the flames spread rapidly across the market.
Eyewitnesses said the fire quickly intensified, with flames rising several feet into the air and thick smoke engulfing the area. Amid the chaos, a physically disabled shopkeeper lost his life after getting trapped inside his bamboo shop. Locals said he could not escape in time because of his disability and was burnt alive in the blaze.
Several nearby shopkeepers and residents rushed out of the market as fear spread across the locality. Fire brigade teams reached the spot with multiple fire tenders and launched efforts to bring the fire under control. Teams from other concerned departments also arrived at the scene to assist in rescue and safety operations.
According to preliminary information, around 20 to 25 shops located near the main market area were completely gutted in the fire. A nearby tower also caught fire, raising fears of a possible collapse and prompting authorities to secure surrounding areas.
While no other injuries have been reported so far, traders fear heavy financial losses as large quantities of goods were destroyed in the flames. One shopkeeper was seen breaking down in tears while watching his belongings burn.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile, some local residents alleged that if the fire brigade had reached earlier, the damage could have been controlled before the flames spread across the market.
