India, May 16 -- A massive fire broke out at a hardware shop and adjoining godown in Akhnoor, triggering panic in the market area and causing losses estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees.

According to eyewitnesses, flames erupted suddenly and spread rapidly through the premises, which stored paint, chemicals and other highly inflammable hardware materials. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky and was visible from several kilometres away.

Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.

"The biggest task for us was to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby shops," a firefighter said.

Police and civil administration officials also reached ...