HILLONG: Fifteen shops were completely gutted in a major fire that broke out on Friday morning at Bishnupur market in the city.
Eyewitness said the fire broke out at around 8.30 am in the morning and within minutes engulfed all the shops.
East Khasi Hills police chief M Kharkrang ruled out the arson angle saying that somebody was burning garbage which resulted in the fire. Two fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames, but by the time they reached, the damage had already been done.
The temporary shops were made of wood, which was the main reason that the fire spread quickly and caused maximum damage.
No one was injured in the incident. The total loss is estimated at several lakhs of rupees.