36-Hour Inferno in Guwahati: SBI Lockers Safe but Damage Assessment Pending

A massive fire that broke out in a high-rise commercial building in the heart of Guwahati has continued to rage for more than 36 hours, with fire and emergency services still struggling to bring the situation under control.

The incident has triggered widespread public anger over alleged administrative lapses and poor disaster preparedness.

According to officials of the State Bank of India (SBI), the fire has not been fully doused even as of Thursday morning. Preliminary inspections, however, indicate that the bank’s lockers and documents in the Home Loan Department on the third floor are believed to be safe, though the final assessment will only be possible after the area cools down enough for a full inspection.

An SBI official said, “There is still a lot of heat inside the building, and it is not possible yet to clearly see the extent of the damage. But so far, what we have observed is that the bank lockers and documents appear safe. Customers need not worry—everything will be provided as per guidelines.”

Firefighting Challenges and Injury to SDRF Jawan

Deputy Director of Fire & Emergency Services Nanda Singh Borkala informed that an SDRF jawan, Ankit Phukan, sustained injuries while attempting to douse the flames. He was rushed to Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) for immediate medical treatment.

Borkala said operations are underway at full scale:

“A total of 25 fire tenders are engaged and 110 personnel are working continuously. Fire has been controlled on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors. We hope to completely contain the fire within the next hour,” he told reporters.

He further added that the firefighting teams from Numaligarh Refinery, Inland Water Transport (IWT) and the Indian Air Force have joined the efforts. However, the teams have now exhausted their onboard water reserves.

Even as major portions of the building have been brought under control, flames continue to erupt from the backside of the shopping mall, indicating pockets of fire still burning internally.

Public Anger Over Handling of Fire

Local residents this morning have expressed severe frustration over what they describe as administrative failure and negligence.

One resident, speaking to the media, said:

“Despite so many fire tenders, the fire has not been controlled yet. There is negligence in handling this incident. There is no proper space for the vehicles to enter the building—that is why the fire tenders cannot move inside, leading to delays.

The fire service must answer for this and present a report. The building proprietor is equally responsible. How can such a big commercial building have no space for emergency vehicles? And what about the fire extinguishers inside the building? I am sure not a single one has been used or operated.”

Cause and Damage Assessment Pending

Officials said it is still too early to assess the extent of the damage, as thick smoke and heat inside the premises are making entry difficult. A detailed investigation will follow once the fire is fully extinguished.

The fire service authorities assure the public that there is no immediate threat of further spread, and operations will continue until the blaze is completely brought under control.

Also Read: Assam: Massive Fire Guts Guwahati’s Sohum Emporia, SBI Offices Suffer Massive Losses