Meghalaya: Major fire engulfs over 100 houses, shops & go-downs
TURA | March 02, 2019:
In yet another fire incident, more than 100 houses, shops and godowns were gutted in a major fire which broke out this morning in Rongjeng village in East Garo Hills.
The fire began at about 11:20 am this morning and needed more than 3 and half hours and multiple fire tenders to douse the flame. It left a devastating scene in its aftermath.
While the source of the fire is yet to be ascertained, eye witnesses stated that the fire emanated from a bakery and spread very quickly.
A total of 40 shops, including that of garments, dry fish, vegetables, groceries, fish and meat stall were destroyed in the fire along with 28 godowns with similar items. Further 36 kutcha houses were totally gutted in the fire.
"Fire and emergency services deployed at Mendipathar, Williamnagar, Nongalbibra were called in to assist the one at Rongjeng Bazaar due to the massive nature of the fire. It still took them 3 and half hours to fully douse the flames," stated superintendent of police, EGH, Ringrang TG Momin.
Of the 40 shops gutted, 3 shops were pukka ones while the rest were all kuthca. Further, 2 of the godowns were also pukka amongst those destroyed.
An investigation into the fire has begun with deputy commissioner of the district, Swapnil Tembe, stating that compensation for the destruction of the houses would be paid according to NDRF rates.
"As per on-lookers, the fire spread from a bakery shop. However the same shop has been closed for the last few days. The fire may have been started from unattended charcoal kept inside the bakery shop," said the SP.
An assessment of the damage in the fire is yet to be undertaken though the total amount could go into crores.
