Massive fire breaks out in Aska market, valuables worth lakhs reduced to ashes

The popular vegetable market in Aska’s Laxmi Bazar was reduced to ashes after a massive fire broke out late Saturday night. While the exact reason for the fire breakout is yet to be ascertained, at least 15 shops were gutted in the blaze, reports said.

As the shops were closed for Dussehra, the reason for the fire is not immediately known. 

On being informed, firefighters rushed to the spot and battled for hours to bring the situation under control. The preliminary probe reveals that the fire first broke out in a shop and soon engulfed other shops.

According to sources, the shop owners performed puja on Dussehra's occasion. It is suspected that the lamps used during the puja may be the reason for the fire breakout. However, the fire team is yet to confirm it.

Valuables worth lakhs of rupees have been reduced to ashes in the fire mishap.

“I have been into business for the last 30 years. We performed puja till 12pm at night. All this has happened on Dussehra. Everything has gone in seconds. At least 100 families were earning their livelihood through the vegetable business. So, I request the government to help the affected families,” said a local Manoranjan Nayak.

Similarly, another local said, “We went home late at night after performing the puja. I request the government and administration to extend a helping hand to the affected families.”