Bokaro, March 3: A devastating fire broke out in the Shivnadiha Azad Nagar area of the Marafari police station in Bokaro district, Jharkhand, on Tuesday evening, destroying several shops. Two individuals suffered burns and are currently receiving treatment. The fire reportedly started in a tent house warehouse that housed a large number of cooking gas cylinders.
Witnesses suggest that the blaze escalated following an explosion during the refilling of the cylinders. Around 6 PM, a loud bang was heard from within the warehouse, leading to a series of cylinder explosions that sent shockwaves through the area. Flames could be seen from a distance, creating a scene of chaos as the fire rapidly spread to 10-12 nearby shops, causing significant losses to local traders.
Upon receiving the alert, a police team from the Marafari station arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and evacuating residents to safety. Given the severity of the situation, nearby buildings were also evacuated as a precaution. Six fire department vehicles were deployed to combat the blaze.
Firefighters worked diligently amidst the ongoing cylinder explosions to bring the fire under control. The two injured individuals were quickly transported to a hospital via ambulance, where they are being treated.
The official cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed, although locals indicate that the warehouse was involved in both tent material storage and gas cylinder refilling. Marafari police station chief Mohammad Azad Khan stated that an assessment of the damage has not yet been completed. He assured that a thorough investigation is underway, and necessary actions will be taken if safety regulations were violated.
