Maynaguri Market Fire Guts 10 Shops; Encroachment Hinders Firefighters

• A devastating fire engulfed Maynaguri Old Market in Jalpaiguri early morning, gutting at least 10 shops.
• Maynaguri Police, fire brigade with two engines, and local residents responded to control the blaze.
• Road encroachment by businesses reportedly hampered firefighters' access, as stated by Jhulan Goswami, Vice Chairman of Maynaguri Municipality.
• Initial reports suggest an electrical short circuit as the cause; investigation by fire department and police is underway.
• A major disaster was averted by quickly removing multiple gas cylinders from a sweet shop.

Why It Matters: Negligence and road encroachment worsened the Maynaguri market fire, highlighting urban planning issues.