A massive fire has once again engulfed the Shiv Shakti Textile Market in Surat, Gujarat, marking the second such incident in less than 24 hours. The fire broke out early on Tuesday morning, causing extensive damage to more than 800 shops. The situation is dire, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain the blaze, and authorities have expressed concern over the safety of the nearby areas.
Fire Strikes Again in the Textile Market
The fire at Surat’s Shiv Shakti Textile Market has escalated into a serious emergency, with thick plumes of smoke billowing from the site. Emergency services were alerted immediately after the blaze began, and more than 30 fire engines, along with numerous personnel, were dispatched to the location to combat the inferno. As of now, the situation remains critical, with no casualties reported yet.
Local authorities confirmed that firefighting operations are still ongoing, and the fire is yet to be completely contained. The extensive fire spread quickly, damaging a vast area and threatening the safety of nearby buildings. Authorities are prioritizing the safety of people in the surrounding areas, but the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
Previous Incident in the Same Market
This incident follows a similar fire that occurred just a day earlier in the same market. On Monday, a fire had erupted in the basement of the building, which is used for storing textiles. Tragically, a worker lost his life in that fire, reportedly due to asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation. The fire in the basement of the Shiv Shakti Textile Market was eventually brought under control by the fire department after several hours of intense firefighting efforts.
While the cause of that fire is still under investigation, initial reports suggest that a short circuit may have been the cause. The basement, which housed a large stockpile of textiles, proved to be highly vulnerable to the flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Massive Destruction and Financial Losses
The ongoing fire in the textile market has caused widespread damage, affecting hundreds of textile shops that are the backbone of Surat’s textile industry. With more than 800 shops impacted by the fire, the financial losses could run into several crores of rupees. Surat is one of the largest textile hubs in India, and the market’s significance to the local economy is immense.
The fire has left traders in shock, with many now faced with the uncertainty of rebuilding their businesses. Local traders have expressed deep concern about the future of their livelihood, with some speculating that the damage could take months to recover from.
Concerns Over Fire Safety and Safety Measures
In the aftermath of these twin fires, there has been growing concern about fire safety standards in commercial buildings in Surat, particularly in textile markets. Many of the shops in the Shiv Shakti market are located in a congested area, making it difficult for firefighting teams to access the fire-prone zones quickly. Additionally, questions are being raised about the adherence to fire safety protocols, especially given that the fire broke out in the same market within such a short time span.
Kailash Hakim, the President of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA), expressed his distress over the recurring fires in the market. He emphasized the need for a thorough review of fire safety measures and called on authorities to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. “The situation is critical. We pray that the fire is brought under control soon. The traders are facing immense losses, and the safety of the workers is a major concern,” Hakim said.
Authorities Work to Contain the Blaze
Firefighters and emergency crews are working around the clock to extinguish the flames. Local authorities have promised a detailed investigation once the fire is under control to determine the exact cause of the outbreak. While a short circuit is suspected to have been the cause of the most recent fire, investigations are still in the early stages. The authorities are also expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the safety protocols at the market and other commercial buildings in Surat.
The fire in Surat’s Shiv Shakti Textile Market has caused significant damage, both in terms of property and lives. As firefighting operations continue, the city holds its breath, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis. With the growing concerns over fire safety, authorities are likely to increase scrutiny and enforcement of fire safety measures in the future. For now, the traders of Surat are left to count their losses, while firefighters work to protect the city from further devastation.
By -Kartik
