Rangamati, Apr 25 (V7N): A late-night fire at the central bus terminal area in Rangamati town destroyed three shops, causing significant financial losses but no casualties.

According to the Fire Service, the blaze broke out at around 2:00 a.m. on Friday. Local sources said the fire originated from an electrical short circuit in a hardware store operated by former municipal panel mayor Robiul Alam Robi. Within a short time, the flames spread to a nearby scrap shop and a fish wholesale market, engulfing all three establishments.

A team of around 20 firefighters rushed to the scene shortly after receiving the report. With assistance from local residents, they managed to bring the fire under control within approximately 45 minutes, preventing it from spreading further in the densely populated commercial area.

Robiul Alam Robi said he had recently started the hardware business with a loan and lost everything in the fire, estimating his losses at around Tk 10 lakh. Meanwhile, relatives of Mozammel Haque, owner of the other affected shops, claimed losses of approximately TK 5 lakh.

Md. Mofizur Rahman, an official of Rangamati Fire Service and Civil Defence, confirmed that the fire was contained within half an hour of their arrival and that no injuries or fatalities were reported. He added that the exact cause of the fire and the total extent of the damage will be determined after a detailed investigation.

Following the incident, at least three teams from Kotwali Police Station were deployed to the scene to maintain order and ensure security.

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