| 29 September 2023
| Christie Anto
New Delhi, India - A major fire broke out in Delhi's bustling Azadpur Mandi at approximately 5:20 pm on Friday, leaving authorities and firefighters scrambling to contain the inferno. At least 10 fire tenders swiftly arrived at the scene to combat the flames, which threatened to engulf the sprawling market known for its wholesale trade in fresh produce.
As of now, rescue operations are still in progress, and authorities are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control. The initial reports suggest that the fire originated from a tomato shed within the market premises.
The Azadpur Mandi, one of Asia's largest wholesale fruit and vegetable markets, plays a pivotal role in the supply chain of perishable goods for the national capital and the surrounding regions. The market witnesses a flurry of activity daily as farmers, traders, and consumers converge to buy and sell fresh produce.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, and authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the extent of damage or any casualties resulting from the incident. Firefighters are working relentlessly to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent sheds and structures within the market.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported billowing smoke and towering flames, creating a harrowing spectacle that drew onlookers and concerned traders. The market, which is spread over several acres, presented a formidable challenge to firefighters in terms of accessibility and the need to prevent the fire from spreading to other sections.
Officials have urged nearby residents to stay indoors and avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their operations smoothly. Traffic in the vicinity has also been diverted to ensure unimpeded access for firefighting equipment and personnel.
The Azadpur Mandi has faced fire incidents in the past, and authorities have implemented safety measures to mitigate such incidents. However, the sheer scale of the market, with its numerous sheds and storage facilities, poses a persistent challenge when it comes to fire prevention and control.
As this situation develops, further updates on the extent of the damage, potential casualties, and the cause of the fire are eagerly awaited. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the root cause of the incident and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, the firefighters on the ground are engaged in a relentless battle against the blaze, hoping to bring it under control and minimize the impact on the Azadpur Mandi and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
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