JAMMU, May 16 : A massive fire broke out early Saturday morning in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district, gutting three shops and causing extensive damage to property worth several lakhs of rupees, officials and locals said.
The blaze engulfed two hardware stores and one sweet shop, reducing the establishments and stored goods to ashes within a short span of time.
Eyewitnesses said panic gripped the locality as flames spread rapidly, accompanied by thick smoke that engulfed the market area.
Locals and shopkeepers rushed to the spot and made efforts to douse the fire before Fire and Emergency Services personnel arrived. Firefighters later managed to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to nearby shops.
Officials said commercial goods, furniture, equipment and other materials inside the affected shops were completely destroyed. Fortunately, no loss of life or injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known, and authorities are assessing the extent of the damage. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further proceedings.
