In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a ferocious firestorm engulfed Kursela Haat market in Bihar’s Katihar district, annihilating over 100 shops on Sunday evening. The inferno, centered in the NH-31-linked Kursela police jurisdiction, spread with terrifying velocity, leaving behind a landscape of devastation and despair.
Witness accounts paint a vivid picture of horror: a spark—likely electrical—ignited amid the bustling haat, and blustery conditions fanned it into an uncontrollable monster. Locals mounted a valiant but futile fight with buckets and hoses before professional firefighters arrived in droves, including backups from Navgachia and Bhagalpur. By 10 PM, the fire still defied full containment.
Crores in merchandise, from daily essentials to specialized wares, were lost forever, crippling the local economy overnight. Amid the ruins, no physical injuries were noted, but the grief of ruined businesses weighs heavily. Administrative teams are actively gauging losses and mobilizing support.
As probes into the fire’s origin proceed, this calamity spotlights critical gaps in fire prevention for India’s rural bazaars. The path to restoration lies ahead, with community solidarity offering hope amid the rubble.