West Medinipur, 20 November (H.S.): A fire broke out late Wednesday night in a fish market on Chandrakona Road in West Medinipur district. The fire spread so rapidly that several shops were reduced to ashes. Traders feared losses worth lakhs of rupees.

According to local sources, smoke was first seen rising from a shop in the center of the market. Within moments, the flames spread to several shops. The fire took a devastating form due to the presence of several quintals of fish, ice, generators, power lines, plastic materials, and other combustible materials inside. According to traders, the fire spread so rapidly that there was no opportunity to save the goods.

Fire brigades immediately arrived at the scene upon receiving information, and the fire was brought under control after about an hour of hard work. Extinguishing the fire was extremely difficult due to the combustible material.

Fire officials stated that the cause of the fire is still unclear, but preliminary estimates suggest a short circuit may have been the cause.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey