Itanagar: Over 15 shops were gutted in a major fire that broke out in Williamnagar market in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district on Saturday.
No loss of life or injuries has been reported so far.
A police investigation has begun to determine the cause of the blaze.
According to East Garo Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) S.A. Rynjah, the fire originated from two different points in the market, making it challenging to bring the fire under control.
“Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames, which were finally extinguished by 3:00 AM. Approximately 15-16 small shops were directly or indirectly damaged in the incident.”
Authorities are conducting a detailed inquiry into the fire’s cause.
“Preliminary assessments suggest the possibility of an electrical short circuit, but the investigation is also examining CCTV footage to rule out arson or involvement of miscreants.”
SP Bruno A. Sangma of the Fire and Emergency Services confirmed that the fire call came in at 12:22 AM, and his teams were on the scene to contain the blaze.
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He added, “The flames were brought under control by 1:10 AM and fully extinguished by 3:00 AM. No human casualties or injuries were reported and the exact value of property lost or damaged is being assessed.”
A short circuit apparently caused a fire a few months ago that destroyed shops near the Tura supermarket.
