JAMMU: Diwali celebrations turned disastrous for several traders and residents in Jammu as multiple fire incidents were reported across the city on Sunday, with a massive inferno at the historic Warehouse Nehru Market near Bikram Chowk reducing over 15 shops to ashes.
The devastating blaze, which reportedly originated in an edible oil shop around 9.15 pm, rapidly spread to adjoining commercial establishments, causing extensive damage. The presence of large stocks of edible oil and other combustible materials further intensified the flames.
Although preliminary reports suggest that firecracker sparks may have triggered some of the blazes, the exact causes are yet to be established through investigation.
No loss of life has been reported in the major Warehouse fire, while the overall extent of property damage is being assessed
Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Minga Sherpa, accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, reached the spot and personally supervised the firefighting operation. Several fire tenders and emergency response teams were deployed, with firefighters working for hours to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjoining commercial establishments.
Apart from the Warehouse inferno, other fire incidents were reported at Pahari Mohalla, where a five-storey commercial building was gutted; Shalimar, where two floors of a medical-store building were damaged; and Gangyal, where a hardware godown was affected.
Fire incidents were also reported from Canal Road near SPMR Commerce College, where a residential house caught fire, and Garden Estate Banquet Hall in Trikuta Nagar.
According to Fire and Emergency Services officials, Jammu district recorded 30 fire incidents during the Diwali celebrations, while the total number across the Jammu region reached 64.