SANGUEM
Six commercial establishments were gutted in a fire that broke out at the old market area of Rivona in Sanguem on Monday, leaving traders and business owners with heavy losses.
The blaze spread rapidly across six adjoining establishments, including two hotels, a grocery shop, and a computer and laptop sales and repair centre. Furniture, stock, electronic equipment, computers, household items and other valuables were destroyed in the fire.
Residents suspect that the fire may have started due to an electrical short circuit in one of the shops before spreading to neighbouring establishments. However, the exact cause is yet to be confirmed by authorities.
One of the worst affected was a hotel that had recently been started by a local youth. The owner suffered a complete loss after the traditional wooden-tiled roof and other items were destroyed in the flames.
Owners of two affected establishments estimated their combined losses at around Rs 35 lakh, though the overall damage is expected to be higher.
The hotel owner alleged that the fire originated from an adjoining shop and claimed that petrol was being illegally sold there in bottles. He alleged that petrol-filled bottles were thrown outside during the fire, causing the flames to spread. A villager claimed that complaints about the alleged sale had earlier been brought to the panchayat’s notice but no action was taken.
Fire and Emergency Services personnel led by Fire Station Officer Damodar Zambaulikar brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading further.
Local leaders, including Suresh Gaonkar and the sarpanch, visited the site to assess the damage.
Residents recalled that a similar fire had occurred at the market several years ago.
