Incident at Threeniali Market causes losses estimated up to ₹90 lakh; probe underway into possible short circuit
Bongaigaon (Assam), April 8: A major fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday in Assam’s Abhayapuri town, destroying at least 14 commercial establishments in the Threeniali Market area of Ghilaguri.
According to local reports, the fire started around 1 am and spread rapidly, engulfing nearby shops before emergency services could contain it.
Fire Spread and Damage
The blaze intensified after two LPG cylinders stored inside a hotel exploded, accelerating the spread of flames across the market. Several small businesses were gutted in the incident, including grocery stores, tea stalls, clothing and footwear outlets, a salon, an online café, a Xerox centre, and a shop selling puja items.
Officials estimated the total property loss to be between ₹80 lakh and ₹90 lakh.
Emergency Response
Firefighters from the Abhayapuri fire brigade reached the spot soon after receiving alerts and launched an operation to control the blaze. After several hours of effort, the fire was brought under control, preventing further damage to adjacent areas.
No casualties have been reported so far, though the extent of material loss is significant for local traders.
Possible Cause Under Investigation
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. However, preliminary assessments suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the incident.
Police and local administrative authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause and assess safety lapses, if any.
Context: Fire Risks in Market Areas
Fires in densely packed market areas often spread quickly due to closely built structures and the presence of flammable materials, including LPG cylinders and electrical wiring. Such incidents highlight the importance of fire safety measures and regular inspections.
Public Impact
The incident has affected several small business owners who depend on these establishments for their livelihood. Loss of inventory and infrastructure is likely to have immediate economic consequences for the local community.
Authorities may assess relief measures or compensation depending on the findings of the investigation.
Conclusion
As officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire, attention is likely to focus on safety compliance in commercial areas to prevent similar incidents in the future. The swift response by firefighters helped avert a larger disaster, but the losses underscore the vulnerability of crowded marketplaces to such emergencies. (With inputs from H.S.)
Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 2:55 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 2:55 pm | News Categories: India
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