Jammu: A massive fire broke out at Shiv Market, opposite Jammu Railway Station in Jammu and Kashmir, in the early hours of Monday, news agency ANI reported.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said the fire reportedly started due to a short circuit in one shop and spread rapidly to adjoining shops in the market, which serves as a major commercial hub with shops selling dry fruits and blankets, along with eateries and dhabas, ANI reported.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

Randhawa estimated that around 35 to 40 shops had been completely gutted. "It started with a short circuit in one shop, and the fire spread rapidly, engulfing surrounding shops. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the entire market had been consumed by the flames. In my estimation, about 35 to 40 shops have been completely gutted," Randhawa said, according to ANI.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

35-40Shops estimated completely gutted, per BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa (ANI)
0Casualties or injuries reported so far (Times of India)

No casualties or injuries were reported so far, while fire and emergency services teams worked to bring the blaze under control and the cause of the fire remained unknown in initial reporting, the Times of India reported. A shopkeeper said at least 25 to 30 shops had suffered total losses and urged the administration to provide compensation to those affected.

Source: Times of India via NewsLink360

Randhawa added that the full extent of the damage could be assessed only after the situation was brought completely under control, and said shopkeepers were cooperating with the administration, with the Deputy Commissioner, SP South, DSP, SHO and their teams present at the site, while members of civil society were also providing assistance, ANI reported.

Source: ANI via LatestLY