Panic After Hut Catches Fire Near Highway
A sudden fire incident near the Jalandhar-Amritsar Highway created panic among commuters and local residents on Wednesday. The blaze erupted in a hut located along the service lane near Bal Hospital, causing thick smoke and disrupting traffic movement for nearly half an hour.
The incident occurred just a short distance from a petrol pump, raising concerns among people in the area. As flames spread rapidly, motorists traveling towards Kartarpur were forced to stop their vehicles, leading to long traffic queues on both sides of the highway.
Traffic Movement Halted for Nearly 30 Minutes
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire intensified within minutes and engulfed the entire hut. Due to safety concerns, authorities temporarily stopped the movement of vehicles in the affected stretch.
Heavy smoke and flames reduced visibility, making it difficult for drivers to pass through the service lane. The situation led to a significant traffic jam, inconveniencing hundreds of commuters.
Fire Brigade and Police Reach Spot
After receiving information about the incident, fire brigade officials and police teams rushed to the location. Firefighters worked quickly to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas.
After a sustained operation, the fire was brought under control. However, by then the hut had been completely destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.
Investigation Reveals Hut Was Vacant
During the preliminary investigation, police discovered that the hut belonged to a migrant worker identified as Raju. According to officials, he had vacated the location approximately two weeks before the incident.
Although no one was residing inside the structure, old clothes and household belongings stored in the hut were reduced to ashes. The fire caused complete damage to the temporary shelter and its contents.
Dry Leaves Accelerated the Fire
Authorities believe that dry leaves scattered around the hut contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the flames. Due to the hot and dry conditions, the fire quickly turned intense, making firefighting efforts more challenging.
Officials stated that the surrounding vegetation acted as fuel, allowing the fire to expand beyond the initial ignition point before emergency teams arrived.
Possible Cause Under Investigation
Police officials said that the exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. However, preliminary findings suggest that a burning cigarette butt or beedi thrown carelessly by a passerby may have ignited the dry leaves near the hut.
Division No. 1 police officials have initiated a detailed investigation to determine the precise cause of the incident. Authorities are also examining whether any negligence contributed to the fire.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by dry waste, discarded smoking materials, and temporary roadside structures near busy highways. Local residents have urged authorities to conduct regular inspections and improve fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While the situation was brought under control without loss of life, the fire caused temporary disruption and served as a reminder of how quickly such accidents can escalate.
