Samaguri, June 8: A major fire broke out late on June 7 at Sivasthan Market in Assam’s Samaguri area, gutting five commercial establishments and causing extensive property losses.
According to local residents, the blaze erupted shortly after earthquake tremors were felt in the region. Some locals suspect that an electrical short circuit, possibly triggered by the tremors, may have caused the fire, although the exact cause has not yet been officially confirmed.
The fire spread rapidly through the market area, engulfing five shops within minutes. Goods and merchandise worth an estimated Rs 50–60 lakh were destroyed before the flames could be brought under control. The midnight incident triggered panic among shopkeepers and nearby residents, who rushed to the spot in an attempt to douse the fire, but were unable to save the establishments.
Several shop owners were seen in distress as years of investment and stored goods were reduced to ashes in a short span of time.
Local residents have alleged that despite being alerted immediately, firefighters from the Sonaibali Fire and Emergency Services station, located nearby, reached the site after a significant delay.
No casualties have been reported in the incident so far. Authorities are expected to initiate an investigation into the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.
