A massive fire at Guwahati’s Swagata Square Complex has continued unabated for over 33 hours, with more than two dozen fire tenders struggling to bring it under control. The blaze, which broke out around 12:30 am on Wednesday, has engulfed multiple floors of the commercial complex, which houses SBI’s zonal and premium banking branches alongside the shopping mall, Sohum Emporia.
Firefighting efforts have involved water tenders from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and Guwahati Refinery, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined in with a high-tech smoke reduction machine. Additional fire tenders arrived from nearby districts including Morigaon, Kamrup, Nalbari, and more were en route from Darrang.
The fire reportedly started on the second floor in the godown of the mall, where flammable materials and clothes were stored, and has now reached the sixth floor. Officials said non-adherence to safety norms during construction has hindered access to the rear of the building, complicating containment efforts.
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Authorities confirmed that evacuation protocols were implemented immediately to ensure public safety. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) stated that preliminary observations indicate significant damage to the affected floors, although a full assessment will only be possible once the fire is completely extinguished.
Despite the scale of the blaze, injuries have been minimal, with only one firefighter sustaining a minor injury and receiving treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Fire and Emergency Services officials emphasized their rapid response, reaching the site within 15 minutes of the fire breaking out.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigation efforts are ongoing. Meanwhile, authorities continue to focus on containing the fire, preventing it from spreading to lower floors, and securing surrounding areas to minimize further damage.
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