Junk market gutted in massive Peshawar fire

PESHAWAR:

A devastating fire swept through the Nothia Railways Gate area of Peshawar, reducing around 100 cabin-like shops to ashes within hours, resulting in losses of millions of rupees for shopkeepers and local residents.

The sudden blaze engulfed shops of second hand imported shoes, as 50-60 shops having recently received shipments and all turned into ashes despite hours of fire-fighting activity.

The fire started at 10 am and spread rapidly, destroying 20-25 nearby junk shops on Jinder Street, and even engulfed adjacent houses.

In just a few hours, millions of rupees goods were turned to ashes.

After a frantic two-and-a-half-hour rescue effort by fire fighters, Edhi volunteers and local residents, who employed dozens of fire engines, the fire was finally brought under control.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, with varying accounts from local residents. Some eyewitnesses attributed the blaze to sparks emanating from a transformer, while others believed it was triggered by a short circuit.

Police told the Express Tribune that the fire erupted suddenly, resulting in widespread destruction in Cantt Railways Gate Nothiya.

The blaze engulfed approximately 50-60 cabin shops established on the railways track and a nearby junk shoe market, rendering 35-40 shops completely gutted.

However, the blaze resulted in a significant financial loss, which the district administration is currently assessing and estimating.