Festive celebrations in Jammu took a distressing turn on Sunday night when a sudden and massive fire erupted in the city's historic Nehru Market. Within moments, towering flames began consuming surrounding shops, causing widespread panic among residents and local traders. Upon receiving urgent alerts, multiple fire tenders rushed to the location to initiate firefighting and rescue operations.
Blaze Started at 9:15 PM Prompting Rapid Deployment
According to an official from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, the incident began around 9:15 PM on Sunday inside a single shop within the market. The fire quickly escalated, spreading to neighboring commercial establishments within a short span. Recognizing the severity of the situation, fire engines from various stations across Jammu city were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Tight Spaces and Warehouses Complicate Rescue Efforts
Because the busy marketplace features shops and storage warehouses situated extremely close to one another, emergency workers faced significant hurdles during the operation. A sufficient contingent of firefighters was deployed to combat the blaze and prevent it from jumping to additional commercial properties, utilizing a coordinated containment strategy.
A Decades-Old Commercial Hub of Jammu
Nehru Market stands as one of the oldest and most prominent commercial centers in Jammu. Dating back to the 1950s, this historic bazaar has served as a vital hub for wholesale trade involving grains, essential commodities, and everyday goods, drawing large numbers of merchants, retailers, and shoppers regularly.
Cause of the Fire Remains Unconfirmed
At the time the blaze broke out, massive fireworks displays were underway across the city to celebrate Diwali. However, authorities noted that an immediate confirmation regarding whether the fire was sparked by fireworks or driven by another factor was not yet available, as firefighting teams remained focused on bringing the situation under control.
