Tragedy struck Hazaribagh’s Deepugada region late Wednesday night as a massive fire decimated a building containing a popular restaurant and a clothing boutique. The Park View Restaurant & Banquet Hall and an adjacent apparel shop were reduced to ashes in the fierce blaze, with property losses estimated in the lakhs. The fire’s rapid spread meant both businesses were lost within moments. While the flames neared a neighboring medical store, vigilant residents and the timely arrival of firefighters contained the fire, preventing further destruction. The exact reason for the fire is yet to be determined, with preliminary reports pointing towards an electrical short circuit. The combined losses for restaurant owner Vikas Yadav and clothing store proprietor Ajit Kumar Mehta are believed to be between 80 and 90 lakh rupees. Mr. Yadav recounted waking to smoke, realizing his establishment was engulfed, and alerting the community before contacting emergency services. Hazaribagh’s fire brigade responded promptly and worked for several arduous hours to bring the situation under control. A major disaster was averted when firefighters successfully evacuated gas cylinders from the restaurant premises. The area experienced significant disruption following the fire, with police intervention restoring order. Officials have stated the fire is extinguished and investigations are in progress, with no casualties reported.
