Massive fire guts 15 shops in Imphal

A sudden inferno today destroyed many shops in Majorkhul, a crowded market centre in the heart of Imphal. Reports say that at least one person has been injured by the fire which started at around 10.30 am.

Eyewitnesses told ANI that about 15 shops, including some houses worth crores of rupees, had been completely burnt to cinders in the worst such incident in Majorkhul.

Around six fire tenders from all directions were called to fight the fire. The fire easily engulfed the rows of shops and buildings since they were mostly constructed with wood at the first floor and RCC building at the ground floor.

The whole area was engulfed in smoke as soaring flames continued to engulf houses in this thickly populated posh locality.

Roars of cylinder blasts were also heard even as all vehicular movement came to a grinding halt.

It took more than 4 hours for the fire brigade, assisted by the police and residents, to finally douse the flames. The DIG of fire service, Mr. Chandramani Singh, IPS, personally supervised the rescue operation.

The cause of the fire and the extent of damages could not be ascertained, however, the loss of property is estimated to be worth crores. Deputy Chief Minister, MLAs and top brass police officials visited the site to assess the situation.