Kanpur: A transformer fire destroyed two shops in the Sarojini Nagar area under Nazirabad police station limits on Sunday, causing panic among residents. Fire department teams controlled the blaze after significant effort. No casualties were reported, but shopkeepers claimed losses amounting to lakhs of rupees.Residents said they heard a sudden loud noise from a transformer in Sarojini Nagar, after which it caught fire. The flames quickly intensified and spread to two nearby shops, consuming the goods inside.Locals said the poles and wires in Sarojini Nagar were in poor condition. “We complained to Kesco several times, but no action was taken. Not a single department official has come to inquire.”As news of the fire spread, people from nearby areas gathered and tried to extinguish the flames, but it continued to spread. The fire department was informed, and the fire brigade team brought it under control after considerable effort.Goods, furniture and other materials in the shops were destroyed. The fire also caused a temporary power outage in the area. Residents said it was fortunate there was not a large crowd near the shops at the time, which allowed people to reach safety and prevented injuries.Chief Fire Officer Deepak Sharma said a preliminary investigation suggested a short circuit caused the fire. “However, locals reported that sparks from the transformer ignited the fire, but the investigation is ongoing to reach a conclusion,” he added.
