GUWAHATI: In a devastating incident that unfolded on a Friday night, a major fire erupted in Bondapara village, located in Assam's Boko region. The inferno swiftly consumed two local businesses, reducing them to ashes. The affected establishments, Amar Dukan, a well-known groceries and daily items store, and a nearby stationery shop, both bore the brunt of the destructive flames. Initial assessments indicate that the damages caused by this fire amount to several lakhs.
Upon receiving the alarm, fire brigades were dispatched to the scene. However, quelling the blaze proved to be a formidable challenge, requiring relentless efforts from the firefighters. The situation was eventually brought under control, but not without significant loss.
The precise cause of the fire remains uncertain, although initial suspicions point towards an electrical short-circuit. An official investigation is underway, promising to unveil more details as it progresses.
A local eyewitness who was present at the scene when the fire erupted expressed their shock and helplessness in the face of the calamity. "We cannot say how this happened. After we got the information, we rushed here, but by that time, the shops were completely gutted. Only the roofs and the frame of the shops remained. Some of us gathered and called the police. I could not think about what to do next."
The fire department's timely intervention played a crucial role in mitigating the disaster. The incident unfolded during the early hours, between 2:30 am and 3:00 am, when most residents were in the embrace of sleep. The impacted businesses, one specializing in groceries and the other in stationery, were vital components of the local community.
This unfortunate incident has not only resulted in substantial financial losses but also left the affected store owners and the village community grappling with the aftermath. As investigations continue, the community hopes to gain clarity on the origins of the fire and the path towards recovery.
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