A massive fire broke out in Thakurgaon’s Road Bazar on Saturday morning, reducing eight shops to ashes and causing an estimated loss of around Tk 50 lakh. The district administration has assured financial assistance for the affected shopkeepers.
The fire is believed to have started due to an electrical short circuit. It quickly spread through a row of shops including a grocery, tailoring shop, electrical goods store, shoe shop, and a warehouse. All the goods inside were completely destroyed.
Upon receiving the news, two units from Thakurgaon Fire Service rushed to the scene. However, due to the absence of nearby water sources, firefighters were forced to fetch water from the Sukh River, about 1.5 kilometres away. After about an hour and a half of effort, the fire was finally brought under control.
Many traders had stocked up on goods ahead of Durga Puja, and the blaze has left them devastated and on the verge of financial ruin.
Inspector Mozammel Haque of Thakurgaon Fire Service and Civil Defence said that preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, and losses are estimated between Tk 65 to 70 lakh.
Deputy Commissioner Israt Farzana visited the site and promised government support for the victims.
