Massive fire guts over 100 shops in Gwalior

GWALIOR - A massive fire that broke out at Victoria Market here gutted over a hundred shops in the early hours of Saturday (June 5).

It is feared that property worth millions of rupees has been lost in the blaze.

The lack of proper fire-safety procedures and the market’s unsuitability to support fire-control efforts exacerbated the extent of damage.

“There was a short circuit in the temple behind the market and I think this led to fire in the market. There was no fire brigade or any government officials for an hour. Only one fire brigade reached the spot after an hour and that too was half-empty,” said Shiv Arora, a shopkeeper.

Several fire engines were pressed into action to douse the fire that broke out at around 3 am (local time).

The government has announced a relief amount of Rs 21,000 for every shopkeeper with more promised.

“Each affected shopkeeper will be given 21,000 rupees as a relief amount. A survey will be conducted so that they get sufficient relief amount, which will help them start their business again,” said Narayan Singh Kushwaha, State Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh.

No one was killed in the mishap but cause of the fire is yet to be determined. (ANI)