Massive fire guts sanitary goods godown in Baramulla

Baramulla, May 18: A massive fire broke out at a huge sanitary goods warehouse in Kanlibagh area of Baramulla on Monday evening, causing extensive damage and losses worth crores of rupees.

The fire erupted at the godown of BK Traders, a prominent sanitary items trading firm in north Kashmir owned by Ifthikar Ahmad Kakroo and Bilal Ahmad Kakroo.

Flames engulfed the warehouse within minutes after the fire broke out, rapidly spreading through the stocked material inside the premises.

The godown housed sanitary items and related goods worth crores of rupees, officials said.

Soon after the incident, several fire tenders rushed to the spot and launched an operation to bring the blaze under control.

Fire tenders were also brought from adjoining areas to control the fire.

However, by the time of filing this report, the fire was still raging and firefighters were battling to prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

Eyewitnesses said thick plumes of smoke could be seen from a distance as panic gripped the area.

Locals also joined rescue efforts and assisted the fire service personnel during the operation.

BK Traders is considered one of the leading sanitary goods traders in north Kashmir, with a large stock of imported and domestic sanitary material stored in the warehouse.

The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Officials said the assessment of damages would be carried out after the fire is fully controlled.

No loss of life or injuries had been reported till late evening.