Patuakhali, Jan 28 (V7N)— A devastating fire gutted six shops in Patuakhali town late Monday night, causing significant financial losses. Victims have estimated the damage at around half a crore taka.

The fire broke out at approximately 1:30 am in front of the city's Kalatala Housing Ground. Eyewitnesses reported that locals initially tried to extinguish the flames and called the fire service. Four units from the Patuakhali Fire Service arrived at the scene 20 minutes later and managed to bring the fire under control by 2:50 am after an hour of effort.

Fortunately, a major catastrophe was averted as a gas cylinder shop adjacent to the affected area did not catch fire or explode.

The worst-hit business was a grocery shop owned by Abdur Rahim, who had goods worth 2 million taka in stock. Rahim reportedly fell ill upon hearing the news of the fire. Another affected shop owner, Alamin, estimated the total losses across all shops at 5 million taka.

The affected businessmen have urged the government and relevant authorities to provide immediate assistance and rehabilitation.

Senior Station Officer of the Patuakhali Fire Service, Dewan Md. Rajib, confirmed the incident and said, "We received information about the fire at 1:56 am and dispatched four units promptly. The fire was brought under control by 2:50 am." He added that the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and the initial damage has been estimated at 3 million taka.

An investigation is expected to ascertain the cause of the fire and provide clarity on the extent of the losses.

END/MSS/AJ