Rajshahi, Mar 16 (V7N)– A devastating fire broke out at the New Market in Rajshahi, resulting in the death of a firefighter. The fire erupted around 1 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, in the Shasthitala area at the back of the market. Firefighter Delwar Hossain of the Rajshahi Fire Service was injured while battling the blaze.

Responding to the emergency, seven units of the Fire Service and Civil Defense rapidly arrived at the scene and managed to bring the fire under control within an hour. However, 11-12 shops were completely destroyed in the fire.

Rajshahi Fire Service Assistant Director Didarul Alam reported that the fire originated in the raw market section at the rear of the market. The fire was brought under control by 1:30 a.m. During the operation, Delwar Hossain succumbed to smoke inhalation and was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported.

While the shops inside the market remained largely intact, the vegetable and grocery stalls at the back were completely gutted. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but initial suspicions point to a short circuit.

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