Inferno engulfs Ghumar Mandi showroom

Ludhiana: A major fire tore through a garment showroom in the bustling Ghumar Mandi market late Friday night, threatening to spread across the congested commercial hub. The blaze, which was so intense that it reached an adjoining shop, required more than two and a half hours of coordinated firefighting efforts to be brought under control.The fire brigade received an emergency call at approximately 9.50 pm. Upon arrival, firemen found the three-story building completely engulfed in flames, with the fire already licking the shutters and front portion of the neighboring store. Because the incident occurred late at night when the typically crowded market was less populated, no injuries were reported. However, the massive stock of garments housed in the showroom was entirely gutted.
During the operation, fire officials were alerted to fuel-filled generators kept on the showroom's terrace. Firefighters prioritized preventing the flames from reaching the top floor to avoid a potential explosion that could have endangered the entire block. Leading fireman Rajinder Kumar stated that 10 to 12 fire tenders were utilized in the operation. He noted that timely intervention was crucial, as the situation could have escalated significantly if the fire had fully transitioned to the adjoining structures.The cause of the fire remains a point of contention. While nearby shopkeepers suspected ongoing welding work within the premises, the showroom owner denied this, claiming the fire originated from a short circuit in a power panel at the rear of the shop. The owner informed firemen that they were in the process of closing for the night and had already pulled down half the shutter when they noticed flames erupting from inside. The incident created a significant scare among bystanders and commuters, who immediately alerted the authorities. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !