Thousands of Rupees Lost as Som Hardware Engulfs in Flames

A tragic fire engulfed the Som Hardware store situated in the Lakkar Mandi market of Abohar town, Fazilka district, on the eve of Diwali. The blaze, believed to have originated from a short circuit in festive lighting, rapidly consumed wooden display boards, stored inventory and other highly flammable items housed within the shop.

Eyewitnesses recounted how the fire erupted suddenly in the early evening, sending a plume of dense black smoke across the neighborhood and igniting panic among surrounding businesses. Immediate calls were placed to the fire department, prompting a rapid deployment of multiple fire‑engine trucks.

Fire Officer Barinder Singh led the response, explaining that the sheer volume of combustible material forced his team to work continuously for close to three and a half hours before the fire could be subdued. Local resident and on‑scene observer Sukhjinder Singh confirmed the ferocity of the flames and the difficulty faced by firefighters.

Authorities estimate that the incident has resulted in financial damage amounting to several million rupees, with the loss stemming primarily from burnt merchandise and destroyed shop fittings. While a short circuit in the Diwali decorative lights remains the leading hypothesis, a formal inquiry will determine the precise cause and the extent of liability.

The episode has raised alarm among merchants and the public about fire hazards during festive decorations, prompting calls for stricter safety checks and better preparedness for emergency response in commercial zones.