In the early hours of Wednesday, a massive fire ripped through the Bakarganj Market in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, setting more than 400 temporary shops ablaze. The blaze began around 4 a.m. when residents saw flames shoot up from the crowded market near the Babupurwa police station. Local bystanders immediately called the fire brigade, which rushed to the scene with several fire engines and battled the flames for hours.
The fire was intense, and thick smoke filled the streets, making it hard for firefighters to work. Even with a large response, most of the market’s stalls were reduced to ashes. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, but video footage shows smoke pouring from burning goods inside the market.
Kanpur is still reeling from a similar disaster the day before, when a cold‑storage unit in Bara, Kanpur Dehat, caught fire and destroyed a large stock of potatoes. That incident highlighted the challenges of fighting fires in places lacking proper exits.
The market’s shopkeepers are devastated. Many estimate their combined losses at around ₹50‑60 lakh. “My cloth shop is gone,” said Shahzade, a shop owner. Usha Rathore was awakened by the news of the fire, noting that a shortage of fire–brigade presence had worsened the damage: “Everything was destroyed, my goods were worth ₹13‑14 lakh. I suspect foul play. It’s hard to believe all the shops could burn so easily.” Ajay, another trader, also shared, “My two shops held goods worth ₹50‑60 lakh. Everything is gone.”
The Kanpur fire has drawn attention to the need for better fire safety measures in bustling markets and refrigerated storage facilities. Local authorities are working to investigate the blaze’s cause and to support the affected traders as they rebuild.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
