A MASSIVE fire broke out late Tuesday night at Sundarani Hardware near Telibandha Chowk in Raipur, triggering panic in the area and destroying three shops, including the Octopus Bar. Firefighters and police launched a large-scale rescue operation, while residents and customers were safely evacuated. No casualties were reported. According to preliminary information, the blaze erupted at the hardware store between Tuesday and Wednesday night and spread rapidly to adjacent establishments, including an electronics shop and the Octopus Bar. More than six two-wheelers parked outside the shops were also reduced to ashes. The exact extent of the financial loss is yet to be determined, but it is estimated to run into several lakhs of rupees. As the flames intensified, people trapped on the upper floor of the Octopus Bar escaped through the rooftop to safety.

 

Residents sleeping in nearby houses were also evacuated in time, preventing any loss of life. On receiving information about the incident, teams from Telibandha Police Station and the Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and began rescue and firefighting operations. Owing to the intensity of the blaze, additional fire tenders from private power plants were also deployed. After several hours of effort, the fire was brought largely under control, though cooling operations continued. Police cordoned off the area to prevent onlookers from approaching the site and to facilitate emergency operations. Telibandha Police informed that the fire originated in the hardware store and spread rapidly to neighbouring establishments. He said the blaze was difficult to control despite heavy rainfall and confirmed that three shops, including the Octopus Bar, suffered extensive damage. While a short circuit is suspected to have triggered the fire, the exact cause will be established only after a detailed investigation.