Kanpur: A fire broke out on Thursday afternoon at Chakarpur Sabzi Mandi in Sachendi, Kanpur, gutting 44 shops, while no casualties were reported.According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out suddenly in the afternoon at a fruit commission shop at chabutra number-6, and spread within minutes. “Flames rose to approximately 40 to 50 feet and were visible from a distance,” an eyewitness said.Inspector Deenanath Mishra said that 12 fire tenders were eventually deployed at the site which brought the blaze under control in approximately three hours.Preliminary investigation suggested a short circuit as the cause of the fire, though officials said the exact cause would be determined only after a detailed investigation.A commission agent said that the fire has caused losses of over Rs 2 crore.Traders also expressed frustration over no deployment of fire-fighting equipment in the market, which could have prevented a bigger tragedy.Mandi secretary, Vijin Baliyan, said that traders who have suffered losses will be provided financial assistance from the govt.
