Ranchi: A significant fire broke out on Lalji Hirji Road, a key commercial area in Ranchi, Jharkhand, around 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
The fire destroyed at least 12 shops, leading to substantial losses, according to officials. Fire brigade teams were promptly dispatched to control the situation.
The affected building contained various hardware, battery, and plywood shops. Initial reports indicate that a short circuit in one of the shops sparked the fire, which rapidly spread throughout the structure. Thick smoke and towering flames caused panic in the vicinity, but all occupants were evacuated safely.
A large crowd gathered outside the burning building to witness the incident. The narrow roads leading to Lalji Hirji Road presented significant challenges for fire brigade vehicles trying to reach the site. Shopkeepers estimate losses in the crores, though the exact amount will be assessed once the fire is fully extinguished.
Police and administrative officials are currently on the scene, along with local shopkeepers and residents.
In a separate incident, a massive fire engulfed three warehouses in Bodo, under the Panchamba police station area in Giridih, around midnight on Tuesday. These warehouses, which housed plywood and electrical goods, were completely destroyed, resulting in an estimated loss of about Rs 2 crore. Additionally, three motorcycles and an SUV parked inside the warehouse were also lost in the fire.
Despite the fire brigade’s efforts, it took nearly nine hours to bring the Giridih fire under control by 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Fortunately, as the warehouse is located away from populated areas, no nearby residents were harmed. The warehouse, known as Baba Jhumraj Enterprises and owned by Ravi Saav, stored plywood and glass window materials. Witnesses reported seeing flames erupting from the warehouse, causing alarm in the area.
Investigations into both fire incidents have been initiated.