Overview
- Flames erupted in the pre-dawn hours at Swagota Square near Rajiv Bhawan on GS Road, spreading across multiple floors of the multi-storey complex.
- More than 25 fire engines, including units from Assam Fire & Emergency Services, Narengi Refinery and the Digaru Air Force, battled the blaze for hours.
- No casualties were reported as crews worked through lingering pockets of fire and smoke that made access difficult.
- SBI’s premises on the second floor were among the worst hit, with staff fearing the loss of cash, crucial documents, loan files and lockers.
- Authorities said the cause remains unknown, with unconfirmed early accounts mentioning decorative lighting, while traffic snarls, onlookers and renewed scrutiny of fire-safety standards followed.