Bandarban, May 17 (V7N) — A devastating fire has destroyed more than 50 shops and houses in the Baghamara Bazar area of Sadar upazila in Bandarban district early Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic among locals.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out suddenly late at night, prompting local residents to alert others through mosque loudspeakers. People from nearby areas rushed to the scene and attempted to bring the blaze under control, but the fire quickly spread due to the presence of highly flammable materials in the market.
Upon receiving the alert, four units of the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence arrived at the scene and managed to bring the fire under control after nearly three hours of intensive efforts.
By the time the fire was extinguished, more than 50 shops and residential structures had already been burned down. Locals estimate the damage at around 250 million taka, though official confirmation is yet to be provided.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the incident.
END/SMA/AJ
