Peshawar Fire Devastates Small Businesses

A destructive fire broke out in the Nothia Railways Gate area of Peshawar, causing widespread devastation to approximately 100 small shops. The fire, which started at 10 am, rapidly spread through shops selling second-hand imported shoes, leading to extensive damage within a few hours. Despite the valiant efforts of firefighters, Edhi volunteers, and local residents utilizing multiple fire engines, the blaze was only brought under control after two and a half hours of intense rescue operations.

The aftermath of the fire was grim, as it not only razed the cabin-like shops but also engulfed around 20-25 junk shops on Jinder Street and nearby houses. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the fire's origin, with some attributing it to sparks from a transformer while others pointed to a short circuit as the cause. The incident resulted in significant financial losses for shopkeepers and residents, with millions of rupees worth of goods reduced to ashes.

The impact of the blaze was particularly severe on the Cantt Railways Gate Nothiya area, where 50-60 shops on the railway track and a junk shoe market bore the brunt of the destruction. Around 35-40 shops were completely gutted by the fire, leading to a substantial financial setback for the affected individuals and businesses. The district administration is currently assessing the extent of the losses suffered by the community.

The fire that ravaged the Nothia Railways Gate area in Peshawar left a trail of destruction, impacting numerous small businesses and households. The swift response of emergency services and volunteers helped contain the blaze, but the aftermath paints a grim picture of financial losses and shattered livelihoods. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, support and assistance from authorities and the public will be crucial in aiding the affected individuals and rebuilding the affected area.