Man dies, 12 shops destroyed in blaze at Amritsar’s Rambagh

Amritsar: A massive fire broke out at Bansan Wala Bazaar in the Rambagh area on Thursday evening, killing a man and destroying 12-13 shops.The blaze engulfed several shops in the market known for manufacturing and selling bamboo ladders and other highly combustible bamboo products.Within minutes, flames rising several feet high spread across adjoining shops, triggering panic among traders and locals. Thick smoke billowing from the blaze could be seen from a considerable distance.According to reports, a shopkeeper with disabilities was burnt alive after he got trapped inside his shop and could not escape in time.The intensity of the blaze created panic in the densely packed market area. Several fire brigade vehicles rushed to the spot and launched firefighting operations, while teams from the concerned departments also reached the site. They had brought the fire under control at the time when this story was filed.Officials said the exact cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained. Heavy financial losses are feared as large quantities of goods stored in the market were destroyed.