Fireworks market fire burns 200 shops, 40 vehicles in India

Around 200 shops and 40 vehicles were burnt by a devastating fire on Saturday at a fireworks market in Indian state of Maharashtra, police said.

The fire broke out at market in Aurangabad, about 334 km northeast of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra.

No loss of life was reported in the incident.

"Today about 200 shops and around 40 vehicles including two-wheelers were gutted in fire that broke out at city's biggest firecrackers market in Aurangabad city," an official said. "The blaze started from a firecracker shop and immediately spread to the adjoining shops."

Authorities immediately rushed 10 fire tenders to the spot to contain the blaze, reports said.

The cause of fire was not immediately known. However, preliminary investigations carried out by the police said stock of fireworks piled up inside the shops enhanced the fire and worsened situation.

On Friday evening, at least eight people were killed and several others suffered burn injures in a similar fire incident at fireworks shop in Vadodara district of neighbouring Gujarat state.

Accidental explosions are common at Indian fireworks factories and shops.

Eyewitnesses said firefighters were struggling to douse the flames as thick smoke billowed from the burnt market.

Locals said the firecrackers market had come up in the area ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

In India firecrackers are set off during festivals, weddings and other merrymaking ceremonies. Endit