Major Fire Erupts at Bokaro Fireworks Market on Diwali: Shops Destroyed, No Casualties Reported

A massive fire broke out at the fireworks market in Bokaro, Jharkhand, during the Diwali celebrations, causing widespread destruction but, thankfully, no casualties. The incident occurred near Garga Bridge under the jurisdiction of the Bokaro Steel City Police Station, where Deputy Superintendent of Police Alok Ranjan reported that 13-14 firework shops were completely gutted in the blaze.

The fire, which was visible from a distance, created panic among shopkeepers and residents in the vicinity. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters rushed to the scene. Five fire tenders were deployed and worked diligently to bring the fire under control. Despite their efforts, the blaze resulted in significant property damage, leading to heavy traffic congestion on both sides of Garga Bridge.

According to police reports, the district administration had granted temporary permissions to the shopkeepers for setting up firecracker shops in the area, a decision that has now come under scrutiny in light of this disaster. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are assessing the situation to prevent such incidents in the future.

Shopkeepers affected by the fire voiced their frustrations and concerns, citing substantial losses due to the incident. They have called upon the government for financial compensation to help them recover from the damages incurred during the festive season.

BJP MLA from Bokaro, Biranchi Narayan, visited the site to assess the damage and criticized the district administration and fire department for not acting more proactively, suggesting that prompt measures could have averted this unfortunate event.

As the investigation continues and the community begins to assess the aftermath, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety, especially during high-risk periods like Diwali when fireworks are in abundance. Local authorities are now faced with the challenge of providing support to the affected shopkeepers while ensuring safety measures are enhanced for future festivities.