Two businesses in Hazaribagh’s Deepugada area, a clothing store and the Park View Restaurant & Banquet Hall, were completely destroyed by a fierce fire that erupted late Wednesday night. The adjoining establishments, located in the same structure, suffered catastrophic damage, with estimated property losses running into millions. The fire’s rapid progression meant both shops were lost within minutes. While flames did encroach upon a nearby medical shop, alert locals and the rapid deployment of firefighters limited the damage to that premises. Investigators are working to pinpoint the cause, with initial theories suggesting an electrical short circuit. The owners, Vikas Yadav (restaurant) and Ajit Kumar Mehta (clothing store), estimate their collective losses at approximately 80 to 90 lakh rupees. Mr. Yadav described a terrifying escape, waking to smoke in the lower part of the building and quickly raising the alarm to summon help. Emergency services were contacted, and the Hazaribagh Fire Brigade responded with urgency. Firefighters engaged in a prolonged battle, lasting several hours, to finally extinguish the blaze. A significant danger was averted as they successfully removed gas cylinders from the restaurant, averting a major explosion. The incident led to significant public concern, which was addressed by police presence at the scene. The fire has been extinguished, and investigations into the cause are ongoing. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
