A massive fire broke out on Friday at the Durgesh Complex Market near the NTPC Labor Gate in Barh sub-division, Bihar. Eight shops were completely gutted, leading to property damage estimated in crores of rupees. According to shopkeepers, the fire was caused by a short circuit, and 8 to 10 lakh rupees in cash kept in the shops were also destroyed.

The Durgesh Complex Market housed Ritesh Singh's wholesale clothing store, along with mobile and tent-pandal related businesses. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire market. Clothes, mobile phones, tent-pandal materials, and other commercial goods were destroyed, leaving shopkeepers no time to salvage their belongings. Exploding mobile phone batteries caused loud blasts, initially leading to fears of gas cylinder explosions.

Shopkeepers alleged that despite informing the fire department, it took nearly an hour for fire engines to reach the scene. They believe that timely arrival of fire services could have significantly reduced the extent of the damage.

Upon receiving information, Barh SDPO-1 Ramakrishna arrived at the site and brought the situation under control. Subsequently, fire tenders from NTPC and the fire department worked to extinguish the blaze. After considerable effort, the fire was brought under control. The incident has resulted in significant financial losses for the affected shopkeepers.