Faridabad (Haryana): A massive fire today broke out at a Diwali cracker market in Dusherra Ground here leaving over 230 shops gutted and five persons injured.
A release from the office of BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar, who is set become the new chief minister of Haryana, also said that 20 cars were damaged in the blaze. A spokesman of the fire department said several fire tenders rushed to douse the flames.Though there was no immediate report of any casualty, fire officials feared that crackers worth lakhs of rupees may have been damaged in the blaze.
Eyewitnesses said the fire might have been triggered by an electrical short-circuit.
The cracker market is organised every year during Diwali in this locality on the outskirts of the national capital. Khattar spoke to the Deputy Commissioner, Faridabad and directed him to ensure best medical aid to the injured. He said that the district administration should take effective measures for safety and security at such places.
“Khattar also said that compensation would be given to the affected people after assessing the loss of property,” Union Minister and Faridabad MP Krishanpal Gujjar said. A magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident. Darshan Lal, a shopkeeper in the market, alleged that the fire tenders reached the spot very late and even a fire engine stationed there had no water.
Another shopkeeper claimed to have seen a woman and child inside a car which he said had exploded during the fire. He said that he could not see the duo after the explosion in the vehicle.
However, there was no official confirmation of the incident.
