Fire destroys 12 shops in Chandpur's Matlab

A fire broke out at a local market in Matlab Dakshin upazila of Chandpur early Friday, destroying at least 12 shops. Ten people were injured while attempting to extinguish the flames.

Locals said the fire started at a tea stall owned by Abdul Baten at Munshirhat Bazar around 4:00 am and rapidly spread, consuming nearby shops.

Two firefighting units from the Matlab Dakshin Fire Station arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control two hours later, said Officer Mohammad Ali.

He suspected that the fire could have been caused by an electrical short-circuit.

"The full extent of the damage will be determined after an investigation," he added.

The affected traders, however, claimed the extent of damages would exceed over Tk 1 crore.

The gutted shops included grocery, mobile servicing, fruits, cosmetics and sweetmeats.