Kanpur: A massive fire broke out in a cracker market in Uttar Pradesh, gutting as many as 70 cracker shops.

A massive fire broke out in a makeshift cracker market at MG College Grounds in Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, gutting more than 70 shops and destroying dozens of two-wheelers.

Firecrackers worth several crores of rupees were gutted in the fire, and several people suffered minor burns, officials said.

According to eyewitnesses, a fire broke out in a cracker shop around 12.30 pm due to a short circuit. Later, the fire spread to the neighboring shops and the flames quickly spread to all the shops.

All the shops were full of crackers, which led to a series of explosions. Panic gripped the market as traders and customers scrambled to reach safety, they said.


Smoke, sound of explosion spread 2 km away

The intensity of the fire was such that the sound of the explosion could be heard up to 2 km away. A huge amount of smoke filled the air. It was common to see people coming out in panic.


Extinguishing the fire is the first priority

Speaking on this, Fatehpur SP Anoop Kumar Singh said that no casualties have been reported so far. Similarly, "Our first priority is to completely control the fire. The cause of the fire is being investigated. Strict action will be taken against those who were negligent."

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Jaiveer Singh said that the fire engulfed the entire market in 15 to 20 minutes. Around 65-70 shops and more than two dozen two-wheelers were completely burnt.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. Firefighters used sand, buckets of water and extinguishers to douse the fire, officials said.


Fire station was a stone's throw away

However, vendors and shopkeepers alleged that even though the fire station is just 200 metres away, the fire brigade reached the spot about 20 minutes after the fire broke out.


Investigation ordered into the tragedy

District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, who rushed to the spot along with the SP, said, "An investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire disaster and assess the loss. Strict action will be taken against those found negligent."

Meanwhile, BJP district president Mukhlal Pal called the incident "unfortunate" and held the party responsible for the delay in response. Officials have assured all possible help to the affected shopkeepers.