Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): A massive fire broke out at the Kathonda firecracker market in Jabalpur on the evening of Republic Day, causing panic in the area. The fire engulfed over a dozen firecracker shops and nearby vehicles, leaving damages estimated at over Rs 1 crore. Reportedly, there was no loss of life or any injuries in the accident.
More than a dozen fire brigade vehicles and water tankers were rushed to the spot. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two and a half hours before bringing it under control. Minister Rakesh Singh ordered an investigation into the incident, while Collector Deepak Saxena assured strict action against those responsible.
According to information, the fire stemmed from one of the many firecracker shops in the area. The fire reportedly started at shop number 25, owned by Manoj Kumar. He alleged that someone set the fire deliberately by throwing a flammable substance. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly, destroying 10 shops and burning over eight two-wheelers. The market, which houses 41 shops, is one of the city’s major firecracker hubs.
Hearing loud explosions and seeing a cloud of smoke above their heads, locals called up the fire department and police at the spot. Over a dozen fire brigades and two hours of extensive battle between the fire and the firefighters controlled the blaze, which was spreading rapidly. Senior officials, including Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav, Collector Deepak Saxena, SP Sampat Upadhyay, MLA Abhilash Pandey, MP Ashish Dubey, and Cabinet Minister Rakesh Singh, visited the site to assess the situation.
Police Investigation
On the orders of Minister Rakesh Singh and the shop owner's suspicion, a complaint has been filed. A team of police officers and forensic department officers has been deployed to investigate the cause of the blaze. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
