Doomdooma: A major fire broke out at Doomdooma Daily Market in Tinsukia district on Sunday morning, destroying seven commercial establishments and causing property damage worth several lakhs of rupees.
According to reports, the blaze began around 6 am at a shop known as Choudhury Brothers, which sold puja items, edible oil, ghee, cosmetics and other household products. The situation escalated rapidly when firecrackers stored inside the premises reportedly ignited, triggering a series of explosions that intensified the fire and spread panic across the market area.
Eyewitnesses said loud blasts echoed through the locality as flames engulfed the building and quickly spread to neighbouring shops. The explosions not only alarmed residents and traders but also complicated firefighting efforts.
Within a short span, the fire extended from the upper floor of the building to six adjacent establishments, reducing an entire stretch of shops in one of Doomdooma‘s busiest commercial hubs to rubble.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the storage of explosive materials in crowded marketplaces. Local traders and residents questioned whether the stockpile of firecrackers had been stored in compliance with safety regulations and licensing requirements.
In response to the emergency, five fire tenders from different parts of Tinsukia district were deployed to the scene. Firefighters faced considerable difficulties in accessing the source of the blaze, as the upper section of the structure reportedly lacked adequate ventilation and entry points.
To assist the operation, an excavator was brought in to partially dismantle sections of the building, allowing emergency personnel to reach the affected areas. After nearly seven hours of continuous efforts, the fire was eventually brought under control.
While no injuries or fatalities were reported, the scale of the destruction has deeply concerned the local business community.
The incident took another dramatic turn when a grenade like object was allegedly discovered among the debris. The recovery of the suspicious item has prompted demands for a detailed inquiry into its origin, as well as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the storage of large quantities of firecrackers at the site.
Soon after the incident, Doomdooma MLA Rupesh Gowala, along with district officials, visited the market to assess the damage and interact with affected shop owners.
The fire has once again brought attention to the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms, licensing regulations and the handling of hazardous materials in densely populated commercial zones. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze and examine any possible violations of safety protocols.
