SRINAGAR 16 May : A fire broke out in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district early Saturday morning, gutting three shops and causing extensive damage to property and goods worth several lakh rupees.
The blaze engulfed two hardware stores and one sweet shop, reducing the establishments and their contents to ashes within a short span of time.
Eyewitnesses said panic spread in the locality as the flames rapidly intensified, with thick smoke engulfing the market area.
Officials said the fire caused extensive damage to commercial goods, furniture, equipment and stored materials inside the affected shops.
Fire and Emergency Services teams later brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading to adjoining structures.
No loss of life or injuries was reported in the incident.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained, while authorities are assessing the extent of the damage.
