A fire destroyed more than 50 shops at Khemnichak market in Patna’s Ramakrishna Nagar police station area early Thursday, causing heavy losses to traders and damaging several parked motorcycles. No casualties were reported after the blaze broke out shortly after 3am and spread through the congested commercial area.
The fire engulfed vegetable shops, repair outlets and other establishments, according to a report by the Times of India. Four LPG cylinders kept at a makeshift hotel allegedly exploded during the incident, triggering panic among people in and around the market.
Eyewitnesses said the flames initially affected a few shops before spreading to adjoining establishments. The closely packed layout of the market and the presence of combustible materials allowed the fire to move rapidly, leaving traders little time to remove stock, equipment and other belongings.
Around 15 to 20 fire engines were sent to the site from Lodipur, Kankarbagh, Secretariat, Patna City and other locations. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in nearly an hour, preventing it from spreading to nearby residential buildings, the report said.
The incident highlights the operational challenge of responding to fires in dense markets where narrow access routes, closely spaced shops and combustible goods can accelerate the spread of flames. In this case, the market included a mix of food-related activity, repair outlets and other commercial establishments, with LPG cylinders reportedly stored at a makeshift hotel.
Sub-divisional fire officer Ajit Kumar said the cause of the fire remained unknown and that an investigation was underway. The reported cylinder blasts are part of the account of the incident, but officials have not established whether they triggered the fire or occurred after the blaze had already spread.
Officials are assessing the damage, while affected traders face substantial losses from destroyed shops, stock and equipment. The destruction of more than 50 establishments also leaves questions about the market’s immediate functioning and the ability of traders to resume operations.
The fire was contained before reaching nearby residential buildings, according to the report. The investigation into the cause of the blaze and the official assessment of losses remain pending.
