Devastating Fire Engulfs Gorakhpur Building, Leaves Businesses in Ruins and Community in Shock

A significant fire incident occurred in the Campierganj area of Gorakhpur late on Sunday night, resulting in extensive damage to a three-storey building that housed several commercial establishments. The blaze, which reportedly originated in a jewellery store, quickly escalated, engulfing the entire structure and leading to an estimated loss of at least Rs 25 lakh. As the flames took hold, panic ensued among local residents who initially attempted to douse the fire with limited success. Realizing the severity of the situation, they promptly alerted emergency services. Firefighters and police arrived shortly thereafter, executing a rescue operation that lasted around two hours, successfully saving those trapped inside. The building, owned by brothers Rahul and Pankaj Saraf, featured a variety of shops, including a garments showroom and a warehouse, all of which were severely affected by the inferno. Witnesses reported that the destruction was extensive, with all inventory within the stores either burned or rendered unusable. The storeowners have expressed distress over their losses, which they estimate may exceed the initial assessments. In the course of the firefighting efforts, a police constable, Vivek Kumar, sustained injuries, highlighting the risks faced by first responders in such emergency situations. Campierganj Station House Officer Pankaj Gupta confirmed the injury and commended the bravery of the personnel involved. Authorities have commenced an investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this stage. Subdivisional Magistrate Rohit Maurya, alongside other officials, visited the scene to assess the damage and assured the affected storeowners that they would receive all possible assistance in the aftermath of the disaster. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the focus now shifts to the recovery efforts for those impacted and the investigation into what led to such a devastating fire. Local leaders and residents are coming together, emphasizing the need for better safety measures in commercial buildings to prevent similar incidents in the future.