Fire at Sher-e-Punjab restaurant in Gwalior's Padav area doused with two water tankers

A fire broke out at a restaurant in the crowded Padav area of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday morning. The restaurant, Sher-e-Punjab, is near LIC Chauraha. The blaze caused panic among people living nearby and passersby.

At around 7.15 am, people saw fierce flames and smoke rising from the restaurant and immediately alerted the fire department. Firefighters reached the spot soon after and began fighting the fire. Two water tankers were deployed to bring the flames under control.

After considerable effort, firefighters brought the situation under control. They did not let the fire spread to nearby shops and establishments. They took charge of the situation as soon as they arrived and kept pouring water on the burning structure until the fire was put out.

According to preliminary information, the fire may have been caused by a lamp lit during the morning puja, or by an electrical short circuit. However, the actual cause has not yet been determined. Police and fire department officials have begun an investigation to find out how the fire started.

The restaurant's operator, Purushottam Ramsanehi, is said to have reached the restaurant at around 6 am, as he does every day. He performed the morning puja there and lit a lamp, then returned home.

Shortly afterwards, Ramsanehi was told that his restaurant was on fire. He rushed back. By the time he arrived, people nearby and passersby had already informed the fire department.

The incident created a stir in the busy Padav area because of its location near LIC Chauraha. Officials are examining the full circumstances of the fire. Full details of the extent of damage to property and the exact cause of the fire are yet to emerge.