Fire engulfs many shops in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi market; causes two explosions

A picture of the Naveen Sabzi Mandi in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, where a fire broke out early Friday (May 22, 2026). Photo credit: X/@ANI

“A fire broke out on Friday (May 22, 2026) near Naveen Sabzi Mandi in Kotwali town area of ​​Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, engulfing about half a dozen shops and triggering bottle explosions,” police said.

The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. in the pastry shop and quickly spread to adjacent buildings. Thick smoke and raging flames caused panic in the marketplace. Shopkeepers ran for their safety after the fire caused two bottles to explode.

Fire chief Shivram Yadav said three fire tenders were rushed to the spot. “Firemen first removed four gas cylinders stored in the shops to prevent further explosions. Two cylinders had already exploded during the fire,” Mr Yadav said.

He said firefighters battled the fire for almost an hour and a half before bringing it under control. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the police and firefighters.

Published – 22 May 2026 12:53 IST