Massive Fire Destroyed Hundreds of Shops at Bakarganj Market in Kanpur

In the early hours of Wednesday, a devastating fire engulfed Bakarganj Market in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, leaving hundreds of shops in ashes and causing significant losses to local traders. The blaze, which broke out around 4 AM, sent thick plumes of smoke across the area, alarming residents and triggering emergency firefighting efforts.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames rise rapidly from multiple stalls, prompting them to alert the fire brigade immediately. Despite the deployment of several fire tenders, the intensity of the flames and dense smoke made containment challenging, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of temporary and permanent shops.

Videos captured at the scene showed the market ablaze, with firefighters battling tirelessly to control the inferno as anxious residents looked on helplessly. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined.

This incident follows another major fire in Kanpur just a day prior, at the Anandeshwar Cold Storage in Bara, which destroyed a large stock of potatoes. Fire officials cited the absence of a rear exit as a critical factor hindering firefighting efforts in the cold storage blaze.

Shopkeepers at Bakarganj Market expressed their anguish over the loss of livelihoods. Many estimated their collective losses at around ₹50-60 lakh. Shahzade, a shop owner, said, “A fire broke out here, but we don’t know how it happened. My cloth shop has been completely destroyed.”

Another trader, Usha Rathore, shared, “We were sleeping when informed about the fire. There was no fire brigade at first; we had to call them ourselves. Everything has been destroyed. My shop had goods worth ₹13-14 lakh. I suspect foul play—it’s hard to believe all shops could burn so easily. I want justice.”

Ajay, who owns two shops in the market, added, “When I reached, all the shops were already burnt down. We had goods worth ₹50-60 lakh in my shops. Everything is gone.”

Authorities have assured that investigations will continue to determine the cause of the fire and provide assistance to affected shopkeepers. Meanwhile, local residents remain on high alert, hoping for quick measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.