Massive Fire Engulfs Shops In Chandigarh’s Sector 22 Mobile Market; Short Circuit Suspected

Chandigarh: A massive fire broke out in the Sector 22 Mobile Market on Wednesday, destroying several shops and causing property damage worth lakhs of rupees.

The blaze, which broke out during peak business hours, triggered widespread panic in one of the city's most crowded commercial hubs, sending thick plumes of black smoke that were seen from several kilometres away.

Sudden Outbreak and Rapid Spread

The fire reportedly started in the main area of the mobile market, an area known for its dense cluster of electronic shops and service centres. 

Within moments, the flames intensified, fed by flammable materials such as lithium batteries, plastic casings, and packaging kept within the stores.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and panic as the fire jumped from one shop to another with terrifying speed.

Chief Fire Officer Inderjeet Singh said that a call was received around 1.30 pm regarding a fire. More than a dozen fire tenders are trying to douse the flames. No casualties have been reported yet.

Emergency Response and Operations

Upon receiving the call, the Chandigarh Fire Services dispatched multiple fire tenders from the Sector 17 and Sector 32 stations. 

Firefighters faced significant challenges navigating the narrow market corridors, which were crowded with panicked shoppers and onlookers.

The entire Sector 22 market area was evacuated by the Chandigarh Police to prevent any loss of life and to allow emergency vehicles clear access. 

Fire personnel are using high-pressure water hoses to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to the neighbouring residential blocks and the main shopping plaza.

Casualties and Preliminary Investigation

In a major relief to the administration and families of the shopkeepers, no casualties or serious injuries have been reported so far.

Most occupants evacuated the buildings as soon as the first signs of smoke appeared.

While an official probe is yet to be launched, preliminary assessments by fire officials suggest that a short circuit in the ageing electrical wiring of one of the shops may have sparked the fire.

The market's infrastructure has long been a concern for safety advocates due to the load on electrical circuits from hundreds of electronic devices.

Economic Impact and Damage Assessment

The cooling operations are currently underway, and the area remains cordoned off. A formal assessment of the financial loss will be conducted once the structure is declared safe for entry.

Local authorities have stated that a thorough safety audit of the market will be mandatory before shopkeepers are allowed to resume operations.