In Pics | Over 500 shops gutted in massive Kanpur fire

Over 500 shops were gutted in a massive fire that broke out in a multi-storey commercial building and quickly spread to adjacent towers in the Bansmandi area in Kanpur on March 31. Prime facie, the fire broke out due to a short circuit following a massive dust storm.

More than 500 shops were gutted in a massive fire that broke out during the wee hours of Friday in the Basmandi area in Kanpur. Credit: PTI Photo

As many as two dozen fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the fire and the operation lasted more than six hours. Credit: PTI Photo

Firefighters were able to rescue everyone trapped in the AR Tower building. Credit: PTI Photo

The flames spread to the adjacent market and buildings due to strong winds. Affected areas included Masood Tower 1, Masood Tower 2, and the Hamraaz Complex.