Guwahati: A major fire broke out at Sohum Emporia in Christian Basti in Assam’s Guwahati, in the early hours of Wednesday, December 10th, around 12:35 a.m., engulfing multiple floors of the multi-storey commercial complex and sending thick smoke across the neighbourhood.
Firefighters and emergency teams were immediately deployed, with approximately 25 fire vehicles from multiple stations responding to the blaze.
The flames primarily affected the upper floors (2nd, 3rd, and 5th floors), with extremely dense smoke making it difficult for firefighters to proceed initially.
The firefighting operation is still going on at the 5th floor of the affected building.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also joined the operation on Thursday, December 11, to help contain the fire.
By the evening, the fire was largely brought under control, though teams continued operations to prevent any reignition.
Residents and passersby reported seeing thick clouds of smoke and flames rising from the building.
Authorities secured the premises and evacuated people from nearby areas as a precaution.
The complex houses a branch of the State Bank of India, which sustained damage, along with other sections of the building.
Preliminary observations indicate significant damage to the affected floors.
No casualties have been reported so far. Officials have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this stage.