UP: Fire sweeps many shops in Hardoi market, causes 2 blasts

A fire broke out near the Naveen Sabzi Mandi in the city's Kotwali area here early Friday, engulfing around half a dozen shops and triggering cylinder explosions, police said.

The blaze erupted around 1.30 am in a sweets shop and rapidly spread to adjoining structures. Thick smoke and ferocious flames caused panic in the market area.

Shopkeepers ran for their safety after the fire caused two cylinder blasts.

Chief Fire Officer Shivram Yadav said three fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

''The fire personnel first removed four gas cylinders kept inside the shops to prevent further explosions. Two cylinders had already exploded during the fire,'' Yadav said.

He said firefighters battled the blaze for nearly one-and-a-half hours before bringing it under control.

The police and fire department are investigating the cause of the blaze.

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