Patna, Oct 29: A major fire broke out at the Khemnichak vegetable market in the Ramkrishnanagar area of Patna early on Thursday and destroyed dozens of shops before firefighters brought the blaze under control, Patna Press reported. The fire reportedly began shortly after 3 am and spread rapidly through the market, triggering panic among local residents and traders.

Source: Patna Press

Patna Press put the number of shops destroyed at more than 50, while The World Opinion reported that more than three dozen shops were completely destroyed, including businesses dealing in cosmetics and beauty products, mobile phone repairs and food services. Several motorcycles parked in the market were also gutted, both reports said, and the full extent of the damage was yet to be assessed.

Source: The World Opinion

During the fire, four gas cylinders reportedly exploded one after another at a makeshift eatery operating inside the market, adding to the panic as the blasts were heard across the surrounding area, both reports said.

Around 10 to 15 fire tenders were dispatched to the spot, and firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to nearby residential areas and neighbouring establishments. The World Opinion reported that the blaze was brought under control after nearly an hour of firefighting.

Affected traders were seen surveying the damage after the fire was controlled, with many small business owners facing the loss of stock and goods built up over years. The exact cause of the fire had not been determined, and officials were expected to examine whether a short circuit or negligence led to the incident, The World Opinion reported.