Surat, February 26: A massive fire broke out for the second time in less than 24 hours at a four-story textile market in Surat on Wednesday morning, causing extensive damage to over 800 shops. Fire department officials reported that firefighting operations are ongoing, with no casualties reported so far.
The fire, which engulfed the multi-story building, comes just a day after a previous fire in the building's basement led to the tragic death of a worker due to asphyxiation. The basement, which stored large quantities of textiles, was engulfed in flames on Tuesday, but firefighters managed to control the blaze within a few hours.
According to fire department officials, approximately 30 fire engines and numerous personnel have been deployed to combat the inferno. Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the building, raising concerns over the safety of nearby areas.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit on the upper floors may have caused Wednesday’s fire. The exact cause, however, is still under investigation as emergency crews work tirelessly to contain the situation.
Kailash Hakim, President of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA), expressed deep concern over the incident. "The situation is critical. The fire department, police, and FOSTTA teams are all engaged in firefighting operations, but the flames are still raging. Firefighters from across the city have arrived to assist. We pray that the situation is brought under control as soon as possible," he said.
The repeated fires in one of Surat’s largest textile markets have not only caused significant financial losses but also raised questions about safety measures and compliance with fire safety norms in commercial buildings. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough assessment once the fire is fully under control.
