A devastating fire swept through Kursela Haat in Katihar, Bihar, on Sunday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Over 100 shops in the vibrant market area under Kursela police station were completely gutted, with losses estimated in crores. The blaze, which broke out abruptly near NH-31, spread at an alarming speed, catching everyone off guard.
According to those present, the fire ignited without warning and was whipped up by gusty winds, turning the entire haat into a sea of flames. Shop owners and customers fled in terror, prioritizing their lives over their merchandise. Firefighting teams from multiple districts converged on the scene, deploying several vehicles to combat the stubborn fire that raged past 10 PM.
While the exact trigger is yet to be determined—short circuit being a leading theory—the magnitude of the loss is staggering. Valuable inventory across diverse businesses vanished in the inferno, plunging dozens of families into uncertainty. Remarkably, no injuries were reported, though the emotional toll is evident in the faces of distraught vendors gathered at the smoldering ruins.
District administration officials are on-site, evaluating the extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for better fire safety infrastructure in rural markets. As investigations continue, the community rallies to support those hardest hit, vowing to rebuild from the ashes.