Massive fires in UP showrooms result in over ₹75 lakh losses

A series of destructive fires erupted in clothing and shoe showrooms in Banda and Nawabad, Uttar Pradesh, today, resulting in significant property losses estimated at over ₹75 lakh. The first incident occurred at approximately 3 PM at a saree showroom situated near the Atarra police station along the Jhansi-Mirzapur highway. A short circuit is believed to have ignited the fire in the back section of the showroom. Owner Ashok Kumar attempted to extinguish the flames but was unsuccessful as the fire rapidly spread throughout the store, creating a chaotic situation in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, a separate fire broke out early this morning at the Metro Shoes showroom located at a busy intersection in Nawabad. The incident was reported around 5:30 AM by a passing auto-rickshaw driver, Azad Khan, who noticed dense smoke and heard loud explosion-like sounds coming from the showroom. The establishment, owned by Faizal Khan, had been closed for the night. The quick response from local emergency services was crucial, as the fire brigade arrived at the scene shortly after the report was made.

In Banda, the fire caused extensive damage, destroying goods worth approximately ₹75 lakh, including a large inventory of clothing and accessories. Despite the arrival of firefighters, who battled the blaze for several hours, the showroom suffered complete destruction. Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the building, and the flames were visible from a distance. Emergency services worked diligently to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby shops, which was a significant concern for local business owners.

In Nawabad, although the firefighters managed to control the blaze before it could engulf surrounding businesses, considerable losses were incurred. The rapid response of five fire brigade vehicles, which arrived from Banda and Chitrakoot, was instrumental in limiting the extent of the damage. Fire officers indicated that the flames were intense, and it took nearly two hours to fully extinguish the fire. The investigation is currently ongoing, with authorities focusing on determining the exact cause of the fire and assessing the damage. Fire safety officials are now examining the incidents closely, particularly regarding the prevalence of short circuits as a common factor in both cases.