Jhalokathi, Sept. 19 (V7N) — At least 10 business establishments were destroyed in a devastating fire at Kaikhali Market in Kathalia upazila of Jhalokathi early Friday, with affected traders estimating losses at nearly Tk 50 lakh.
At least three people were injured while attempting to put out the blaze.
The fire broke out at around 4 a.m. at the market, according to Fire Service officials and local residents.
The blaze reportedly originated at Firoz Cosmetics and quickly spread to nearby shops and warehouses.
Two firefighting units from Kathalia and neighboring Bhandaria upazilas reached the scene after being alerted and brought the fire under control after nearly two hours of efforts with assistance from local residents.
The establishments destroyed in the fire included Firoz Cosmetics, Montu Electronics, Liton Munshi’s grocery shop, Sabuj Khan’s cosmetics warehouse, Hasan Mridha’s optical-fiber office, Liton’s grocery shop, Moti Molla’s grocery shop, Bimal’s grocery shop and bakery, Abdul Kader’s television repair center, and two additional warehouses.
Kathalia Fire Service Station Officer Md. Khalilur Rahman said an electrical short circuit was initially suspected to have caused the fire.
He said the exact amount of damage would be determined after an assessment.
Kathalia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mokbul Hossain visited the scene following the incident and assured the affected traders of swift financial assistance and corrugated iron sheets to help them rebuild their shops.
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